FMC Acropora austera Yellow Cap V (Filter- + Daylight-Shot picture)

Several branches from this coral are available. These animals differ only slightly in form. You will receive an offshoot similar to the animal depicted in the photo

If you have any further questions, please check our Fauna Marin Support Forum, and our Fauna Marin Reefing Group on Facebook.

General information of Acropora SPS-corals:

• Scientific:
• Acropora sp.
• Common: stony coral
• Origin:
  Bali, Indonesia, Australia
• Size:
  up to 25 cm
• Temperature:
  75.2 °F - 80.6 °F (24°C - 27°C)
• Feeding: 
  Zooxanthellen / Light
• Tank:
  >50 Liter

Keeping of sps corals (SPS = Small Polyp Stoney Coral) is possible with today's technology, such as the use of the Fauna Marin Balling Light method and the Zeolight system.

If you take care of the right current, good lighting and the right water values, a successful keeping of SPS corals with good growth and great colors in the saltwater aquarium absolutely possible.

In contrast to lps corals (LPS = Large Polyp Stoney Coral ), which usually cope well even with higher nutrient values, sps corals quickly show a loss of color or stagnating growth. Formerly colorful corals often turn an unsightly brown. This is because of the higher nutrients in the water, which promotes zooxanthellae growth in the coral.

SPS corals love clean and clear water. In order to keep SPS corals almost in their natural colors on a long-term basis, one should strive for the lowest possible phosphate and nitrate value in the aquarium. This can be well controlled with various phosphate adsorbers. The water remains crystal clear when filtered via activated carbon, such as the Fauna Marin Carb L long-term carbon. Phenols, protein compounds, dyes and nettle toxins are filtered out of the water and rendered harmless.  

Also the light intensity has effects on the coloring and the growth of the corals. We at Fauna Marin Corals successfully keep our sps corals under a mix of T5 tubes (50/50 white/blue) in combination with LED lamps.

Important for the care of small polyp stone corals is the constant maintenance of the salinity, as well as the use of a good sea salt, such as the Fauna Marin Professional Sea Salt. The salinity should always be between 34/35 salinity, respectively 1.022 and 1.024 density. A regular check of the density is an absolute must in saltwater aquariums.

Pay attention - especially in summer - to the temperature in the aquarium. Sps corals do not tolerate long-term excess of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). If this is the case the corals fade, which leads to the so-called Coral Bleaching