Reactor Core Acropora (Acropora sp.)
The Reactor Core Acropora is a bold SPS coral with an intense, high-energy appearance under reef lighting. Its vivid colouration and bright growth tips give it a glowing, almost radioactive look, making it a standout piece in an SPS-dominated reef aquarium.
 
Key Information
Type: SPS Coral
Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Lighting: High
Flow: Medium to High
Placement: Upper reef
 
Description
This Acropora forms branching growth with a textured surface of closely packed corallites. Under blue lighting, the coral displays strong contrast between its base colour, polyps, and brighter growth tips, creating the “reactor core” effect that gives it its name.
As it matures, it develops into a structured branching colony, adding height, movement, and vivid colour to the upper sections of the reef. With stable conditions and strong lighting, this coral can become a real focal point.
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–26°C
Salinity: 1.025
Alkalinity: 7.5–9 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
 
Feeding
Primarily photosynthetic, but may benefit from occasional supplemental feeding, including:
Amino acids
Fine particulate coral foods
Broadcast coral feeding
 
Compatibility
Reef safe. Allow space from neighbouring corals to avoid shading, crowding, and competition as the colony grows.
 
Notes
Best suited to mature, stable reef aquariums. Like most Acropora, the Reactor Core Acropora is sensitive to sudden changes in alkalinity, nutrients, lighting, and flow, but will reward consistent care with strong growth, colour, and polyp extension.
 
Photography Notes
Photo taken using an iPhone with a macro lens under approximately 30% blue lighting using a Reef Bar.