How little light will acans tolerate?

JCM · Apr 30, 2021

I have a few spots in my tank that are under ledges and I love acans. I've been slowly pushing some back into the caves to see if they tolerate living in the shade. Anyone tried this and have success? How little light will they tolerate?

anthonygf · Apr 30, 2021

I just got this off of saltwateraquariumblog.com

Acan coral placement

One of the most popular questions I get is–what is the ideal placement for my new acan coral? The first thing is to be sure to give your new friend plenty of room to grow. Many of us (raising my hand here with a look of guilt on my face) pack our coral frags in too closely. We optimize the look of our tanks for the present and don’t always take future growth into mind. Since this coral has some nasty sweeper tentacles, be sure to give it plenty of space between colonies, so you don’t start a turf war.

You also would ideally situate this coral in a place with moderate water flow and lighting. Not too much, not too little. Just right. Remember, it is a large polyp stony coral after all and you don’t want the water flow to be so high (like with SPS) that it would rip the flesh.

They are photosynthetic, too, and appreciate moderately high PAR lighting but will tolerate lighting on the lower end of moderate, as well.

Steven Garland · May 14, 2021

Acan's can tolerate down to about 75 par in some cases. But they will reach for light like zoa's. I would aim for about 100-150 par. In my experience they start to turn rainbow is that range.

Gut loading them with tons of meaty,protein packed foods and amino's also help with coloration.

JCM · May 14, 2021

Steven Garland said:
Acan's can tolerate down to about 75 par in some cases. But they will reach for light like zoa's. I would aim for about 100-150 par. In my experience they start to turn rainbow is that range.

Gut loading them with tons of meaty,protein packed foods and amino's also help with coloration.

Thanks! So far they seem to be doing well back in the cave. I do feed them so maybe that's helping. If they start to extend too far, I'll bring them back out.