Why Acropora?

[Formulator]

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.

Thats not mine LOL, I wish it was. I can’t seem to find the owner’s name, but I believe it to be a Russian fellow based on the results of a reverse image search.

Anyways, I’m pretty certain it would be automated. No way you would be able to keep up with the demand by manual adjustment in a tank like that.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Top rip of the system right side. I know it’s not sideways Saturday yet but hey,

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

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

honestly- I never thought it was anything that special. It’s certainly different and advanced in reefing but i’ve seen sps that rival its beauty.

 

[GARRIGA]

Get to sit at the cool kids table vs bussing tables with me :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

 

[cloak]

Got a blue thumb? ;)

 

[DIYreefer]

Obviously I can't speak for everyone, but I think the general draw to acropora is the challenge that they present and the gratification that comes once you get them figured out. At least that's my presumption... 20 years in the hobby and I can still kill an acro as well as anyone else! Lol.

 

[DIYreefer]

honestly- I never thought it was anything that special. It’s certainly different and advanced in reefing but i’ve seen sps that rival its beauty.

My display tank is predominantly acropora. Most are "high end", no less. The coral that draws the most attention from nonreefers is my grafted monti cap. It's big, super bright, and evidently is the coolest coral in the tank.

 

[AKReefing]

I haven’t!! Hopefully in person soon.

There's likely a reefing club in your area. Try https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/orange-county-reef-keepers.883321/

Also: https://www.socalireefs.com/index.php

 

[IntrinsicReef]

Because they build the reef. When I think of a pristine Pacific coral island, Acropora tables are the first thing that come to mind. I want an aquarium that transports me there when I look at it.

 

[KTTX]

The challenge to grow a $100+ half inch frag that came from a tank with all the high end equipment like from a professional vendor tank. Most hobbyist are not investing in all the high end equipment needed to be successful long term. Nor do they have the knowledge needed to maintain a successful reef tank.

But that is what is good for vendors right? Hobbyist keep buying high priced corals, try and grow them for a few months. They die. Hobbyists return and buy more half inch corals. Said half inch cora will die before it even starts growing 3-6 months after purchase.

Revolving cycle for most.
Then you hear there are secrets of the game that vendors are holding back so that hobbyist can't be as successful. Just look at all the vendor weekly sales that go on and alot of them are sponsors on this site. There are numerous vendors turning 2000+ corals weekly but we as hobbyist have yet to master or even be successful at keeping corals long term.

Again, revolving cycle for most. And now the expensive cost of equipment just makes this hobby a wish for most...

 

[IntrinsicReef]

The challenge to grow a $100+ half inch frag that came from a tank with all the high end equipment like from a professional vendor tank. Most hobbyist are not investing in all the high end equipment needed to be successful long term. Nor do they have the knowledge needed to maintain a successful reef tank.

But that is what is good for vendors right? Hobbyist keep buying high priced corals, try and grow them for a few months. They die. Hobbyists return and buy more half inch corals. Said half inch cora will die before it even starts growing 3-6 months after purchase.

Revolving cycle for most.
Then you hear there are secrets of the game that vendors are holding back so that hobbyist can't be as successful. Just look at all the vendor weekly sales that go on and alot of them are sponsors on this site. There are numerous vendors turning 2000+ corals weekly but we as hobbyist have yet to master or even be successful at keeping corals long term.

Again, revolving cycle for most. And now the expensive cost of equipment just makes this hobby a wish for most...

There are people on this site that keep beautiful Acropora in Biocubes. I don't think "high end equipment " is the key to Acropora success.

 

[Julbra]

Because they build the reef. When I think of a pristine Pacific coral island, Acropora tables are the first thing that come to mind. I want an aquarium that transports me there when I look at it.

This, exactly. Acropora corals are the epitome of reef seascapes. They are what most divers remember and recognize. They are also the most widespread and diverse coral species worldwide. They have a great variety of shapes and colors. There is also an undeniable level of pride in making them thrive due to their reputation for being difficult.

 

[ieatbugman]

From what Ive heard and read acros can either be kept well with the most perfect water parameters with the most advanced stuff. Or just that one special sauce that is totally undefinable. I feel like the most success comes with both though

 

[ieatbugman]

I can’t keep a mushroom coral alive to save my life, but these guys are doing great

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I can’t keep a mushroom coral alive to save my life, but these guys are doing great

Nice looking frags!

 

[KTTX]

There are people on this site that keep beautiful Acropora in Biocubes. I don't think "high end equipment " is the key to Acropora success.

Yea that's the knowledge and experience I mentioned as well. It's definitely harder in a smaller tank.

 

[bossman818]

It’s the challenge. Once your tank is established and you don’t have to do much maintenance, your urges to add something different will kick in. Well at least that’s what happened to me.

 

[ieatbugman]

Thnk you!!!

Nice looking frags!

 

[Sophie"s mom]

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

I had a friend give me a piece of PC rainbow acro, and someone on here kind of jokingly said "quickly give it back! It will save you thousands of dollars" . I am still keeping it alive. As others have said, I think it is the challenge that gets you started, then the beauty that keeps you going.