Why Acropora?

[ZzyzxRiver]

I’m new to reefing- acropora seems like the ‘it’ coral that everyone strives for at the moment. Why? What’s special about it?

 

[JonoH]

The challenge...and the colours/look! It has that wow factor.

 

[soreefed]

A lot of colorful variations and I think the hobby is attracted to the more “difficult” corals. I think in part because it feels rewarding to be successful.

Anyone can grow a softy tank but not everyone can grow an acro tank.

 

[X-37B]

All corals are cool!
I just prefer the look of an sps hard coral system.
My old 120 for reference.

 

[Leadfooted]

If you hang around long enough it’ll all make sense. Hindsight will explain it best

 

[DaJMasta]

I wouldn't say it's the most popular in terms of flavor-of-the month, but it's been popular for a long while. Above reasons are all true, it's also a primary reefbuilder, though, so it's the prominent look of what a lot of people think of is the reef look in the ocean.

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

I wouldn't say it's the most popular in terms of flavor-of-the month, but it's been popular for a long while. Above reasons are all true, it's also a primary reefbuilder, though, so it's the prominent look of what a lot of people think of is the reef look in the ocean.

This makes sense to me- it does definitely LOOK like what I thought coral looked like. Thankfully for the survival rate of my tank, I’m currently loving soft corals plenty- though unknowledgeable employees snuck a few LPS past me. Hope I’m up to it!

 

[Lavey29]

Flav of the day

 

[cloak]

Like mentioned above, the challenge...

What's really cool though is do you really need a skimmer to keep them? Do you really need a refuge or an RO/DI? Some people can't keep their shoe laces tied much or less keep a happy healthy softy tank for years on end. Addition by subtraction maybe? GL.

 

[Matt L]

Acros aren’t the most popular, imo, but they are sometimes used as a measure of “success”. Some believe they are the hardest coral to grow, and if you can grow them, you are a successful Reefer. I disagree with that to a degree. I like them because they come in a lot of colors, and will even change color depending on tank conditions. I like to look at all the tiny polyps with a magnifier and watch them dance in the flow. Not all acros are difficult, but I suggest them for Reefers who understand how to maintain stable water chemistry and have a mature tank.

 

[shakacuz]

personally, it’s my aquatic version of bonsai, granted LPS can also fit into category, but i find more enjoyment in SPS as someone has mentioned it feels rewarding to be successful with what is labeled as a “difficult” type of coral

 

[Formulator]

Need I say more? :star-struck:

(Not my tank… I wish :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:)


But really I agree with @Reefer Matt . Its a challenge and sometimes used as a measuring stick for reefer skill. But also, anytime you see a cartoon of “coral”, or in a National Geographic magazine, what do you see? Sticks. Of course there are other branching corals, but the acro is as close as you can get to the stereotypical image of coral IMO.

 

[Uncle99]

Considered by some as the pinnacle in reef keeping.

Allows little error.

 

[Bob Weigant]

Its my favorite type of coral for sure. When its going great life is good

 

[Reeferbadness]

I agree with the input from all on this. For me, it took about 1 year before my skills were up to keeping Acro/SPS and it was definitely rewarding to not have my frags brown out and then die within a few weeks of getting them. Also i like the bonsai analogy - they grow slowly but love seeing the colors fill in and change as they acros start to thrive. I have 2 mixed reef tanks and also really appreciate torches, zoa's etc but as many have stated, love the challenge of getting things stable enough for my acros to fill in the top of the tank.

 

[cloak]

Need I say more? :star-struck:

(Not my tank… I wish :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:)


But really I agree with @Reefer Matt . Its a challenge and sometimes used as a measuring stick for reefer skill. But also, anytime you see a cartoon of “coral”, or in a National Geographic magazine, what do you see? Sticks. Of course there are other branching corals, but the acro is as close as you can get to the stereotypical image of coral IMO.

Just out of curiosity, do you have all the "bells & whistles" on this tank? Automation is basically what I'm getting at. Top of the line.

 

[AKReefing]

I’m new to reefing- acropora seems like the ‘it’ coral that everyone strives for at the moment. Why? What’s special about it?

Apparently, you've never seen an SPS tank.

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

Apparently, you've never seen an SPS tank.

I haven’t!! Hopefully in person soon.

 

[cloak]

Sometimes my dreams are in color. ;)

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Not bitten yet!!! Run away. Fast!!!