Why isnt my Acan doing good?

[bgilson]

I have multiple corals, included in video, but only my acan isnt happy. I have had it for multiple weeks and moved in multiple places. What should I do? I am at a loss.

 

[Bucs20fan]

so acans are kinda similar to zoas in a lot of ways as far as I’m experienced anyway. I have three different ones and they seem to prefer higher light and flow in my tank, but I hear they do just fine in low light and flow.

 

[bgilson]

so acans are kinda similar to zoas in a lot of ways as far as I’m experienced anyway. I have three different ones and they seem to prefer higher light and flow in my tank, but I hear they do just fine in low light and flow.

I had tried higher higher light and flow but nothing really changed. Most I read said low to moderate light and flow. I will give it a try again.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have multiple corals, included in video, but only my acan isnt happy. I have had it for multiple weeks and moved in multiple places. What should I do? I am at a loss.

Light in video is very blue but acans are not similar to zoa and more related to micromussa grouping. They require moderate light and moderate water flow. Too much water flow , the coral will suffer recession and even tissue damage. Acans will sting other corals closer than 3" so space them accordingly.
These are photosynthetic coral and too little light, they cannot produce their energy source needed known as zooxanthellae. I'd bump the white up just a little.
Assure your nitrate and Phosphate are not elevated but from the looks of other corals- Its likely in safe range. Food- These guys get particles from feeding but are meat eaters and Must have a feeding of Mysis shrimp or similar which is what I feed mine. They feed best at night as they are night feeders.

This is one of mine started as 2 heads:

 

[vetteguy53081]

I had tried higher higher light and flow but nothing really changed. Most I read said low to moderate light and flow. I will give it a try again.

Low to moderate flow is correct. High and they will expel their zooxanthellae and suffer

 

[steveschuerger]

I’ve got both Acan lords and Micromussa. They seem to be fine with pretty much anywhere for me.

 

[Bucs20fan]

Light in video is very blue but acans are not similar to zoa and more related to micromussa grouping. They require moderate light and moderate water flow. Too much water flow , the coral will suffer recession and even tissue damage. Acans will sting other corals closer than 3" so space them accordingly.
These are photosynthetic coral and too little light, they cannot produce their energy source needed known as zooxanthellae. I'd bump the white up just a little.
Assure your nitrate and Phosphate are not elevated but from the looks of other corals- Its likely in safe range. Food- These guys get particles from feeding but are meat eaters and Must have a feeding of Mysis shrimp or similar which is what I feed mine. They feed best at night as they are night feeders.

This is one of mine started as 2 heads:

I meant similar to zoas as they will accept a wide range of lighting and flow.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I meant similar to zoas as they will accept a wide range of lighting and flow.

They dont accept a wide range. Has to be a happy median with this type. Too little or too much light is harmful in many cases as mentioned with their energy source. . . . However there is acan merletti and acan enchinata that will tolerate a little more light

 

[bgilson]

Light in video is very blue but acans are not similar to zoa and more related to micromussa grouping. They require moderate light and moderate water flow. Too much water flow , the coral will suffer recession and even tissue damage. Acans will sting other corals closer than 3" so space them accordingly.
These are photosynthetic coral and too little light, they cannot produce their energy source needed known as zooxanthellae. I'd bump the white up just a little.
Assure your nitrate and Phosphate are not elevated but from the looks of other corals- Its likely in safe range. Food- These guys get particles from feeding but are meat eaters and Must have a feeding of Mysis shrimp or similar which is what I feed mine. They feed best at night as they are night feeders.

This is one of mine started as 2 heads:

Thank you for the info. Do you happen to know what kind my acan is? Ill post a pic when it was a little happier lol

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thank you for the info. Do you happen to know what kind my acan is? Ill post a pic when it was a little happier lol

Either solar flare or Aussie orange

 

[PeterEde]

I've had lords and micromus since the early days in my tank and have never shown signs of being upset. I've had nitrates at 60 and as low as 10 and never have they appeared off.
Placed at bottom under a HD16. At the far end of a 2000lt/ph return and a Nero03 at 50%. They are 2 of my favorites.

 

[jmichaelh7]

What’s phosphate level

 

[Bucs20fan]

They dont accept a wide range. Has to be a happy median with this type. Too little or too much light is harmful in many cases as mentioned with their energy source. . . . However there is acan merletti and acan enchinata that will tolerate a little more light

Yes typically they are more medium, but mine are in about 210 par and high flow and growing like crazy. Ive always read they are beginner corals because they tolerate so much. But I agree medium light and flow is probably more commonly appropriate.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yes typically they are more medium, but mine are in about 210 par and high flow and growing like crazy. Ive always read they are beginner corals because they tolerate so much. But I agree medium light and flow is probably more commonly appropriate.

In their natural environment, they are found in deep waters away from bright light as it causes them stress and too much light results in bleaching or death. Too much is often worse as they get little to No food- you want the flow at a rate that delivers food to them.
In over 20 years of having acans, Ive never seen these in high anything. Even at frag swaps, they are generally under the lowest lighting. Any site you visit will indicate :

One site quote:

Water Flow​

From my experience most Acans prefer moderate movement, which involves enough movement to disperse food within reach, but not too fast, which would likely result in polyps that do not open fully.

Light​

The theme of Acan care seems to be moderation and lighting requirements are no different. Placement at the top of the water column could result in too much light resulting in bleaching


Another quote:

You also need to 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, and you don’t want the water flow to get so high (like with small polyp stony (SPS corals) that you end up ripping their delicate flesh.

 

[Squidward]

I dont think I know anyone whose had long term success with acans.