I'm trying to figure out the type of Acan I have - my best guess from research is bowerbanki, but I'm definitely not an expert. It's been two months since I got it as a single head and it's still not growing. I've been feeding it brine, mysis, etc daily and it's always hungry. I love its color and the polyp size is amazing - it's bigger than the 1.25" plug.
What can I do to get this thing growing and producing more polyps? It's under my DIY LED light system with 3W LEDs, which is strong enough to keep a maxima clam happy on the sand bed. The setup's about 10 months old and my parameters are pretty steady: Temp's at 79F, Ca's 480, Mg's 1380, KH's 10.5, and pH's 8.2.
Identifying this acan coral
Re: Identifying this acan coral
I'd say you've got a good shot at it being bowerbanki, but I'm no expert either. I've had mine for a while now, and I can tell you that they can be a bit finicky. One thing I've found that helps is making sure they're getting enough nutrients - you're on the right track with the brine and mysis. I'd also recommend trying to vary the types of food you're giving it, maybe some cyclopeeze or even some small pieces of fish.
As for the lighting, 3W LEDs should be plenty, but I've found that Acan's can be a bit sensitive to light intensity. You might try moving it to a spot that's not as directly under the LEDs, or even adding some diffusers to soften the light a bit. Your parameters all look good, so I don't think that's the issue.
One other thing you might want to try is making sure it's getting enough water flow. Acan's like a bit of current, so if you've got a pretty stagnant area in your tank, that might be part of the problem. Just a few things to try, but like I said, they can be a bit finicky.
As for the lighting, 3W LEDs should be plenty, but I've found that Acan's can be a bit sensitive to light intensity. You might try moving it to a spot that's not as directly under the LEDs, or even adding some diffusers to soften the light a bit. Your parameters all look good, so I don't think that's the issue.
One other thing you might want to try is making sure it's getting enough water flow. Acan's like a bit of current, so if you've got a pretty stagnant area in your tank, that might be part of the problem. Just a few things to try, but like I said, they can be a bit finicky.
Re: Identifying this acan coral
I'm curious, do you see any new heads forming around the base of the coral? I've had acans with multiple heads before and they always seem to grow new ones in between the existing ones. It's possible that a new head is forming on the underside, near the frag plug.
Re: Identifying this acan coral
I'm not entirely convinced it's a Lordhowensis, to be honest. The shape and size of the polyp seem off compared to my other Acan lords. I've scoured Google for images and, if I'm being honest, it bears more resemblance to bowerbanki. I know those images could be mislabeled, but still, it's got me leaning towards bowerbanki.felinxo wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 10:52 pm I'd say you've got a good shot at it being bowerbanki, but I'm no expert either. I've had mine for a while now, and I can tell you that they can be a bit finicky. One thing I've found that helps is making sure they're getting enough nutrients - you're on the right track with the brine and mysis. I'd also recommend trying to vary the types of food you're giving it, maybe some cyclopeeze or even some small pieces of fish.
As for the lighting, 3W LEDs should be plenty, but I've found that Acan's can be a bit sensitive to light intensity. You might try moving it to a spot that's not as directly under the LEDs, or even adding some diffusers to soften the light a bit. Your parameters all look good, so I don't think that's the issue.
One other thing you might want to try is making sure it's getting enough water flow. Acan's like a bit of current, so if you've got a pretty stagnant area in your tank, that might be part of the problem. Just a few things to try, but like I said, they can be a bit finicky.
Re: Identifying this acan coral
This is my only single-polyp Acan too, and I'm thinking it was fragged that way due to the large head size. I've checked the base, but so far, no new heads in sight - fingers crossed that'll change soon.flametop wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 12:42 am I'm curious, do you see any new heads forming around the base of the coral? I've had acans with multiple heads before and they always seem to grow new ones in between the existing ones. It's possible that a new head is forming on the underside, near the frag plug.
I'm curious to hear from others on growing Acans. I feel like I've got the basics covered, but maybe I just need to be patient and give it more time.
Re: Identifying this acan coral
Honestly, I think it's just a single polyp of a Lord, nothing special.
Re: Identifying this acan coral
No big deal to me, I got it for cheap, just hoping to see some growth.
Re: Identifying this acan coral
I'd keep it on the sand bed during aclimation, no issue. But for growth, Lord H. and Bowerbanki both seem to thrive on rock substrate - never seen it happen on the sand. I'd find a spot on your live rock with suitable light and flow, and place it there. Just watch out for those stinging corals.
Re: Identifying this acan coral
I've been thinking of relocating it to the rock, might make a difference - I'll find a suitable spot and see what happens. Thanks!
Re: Identifying this acan coral
Definitely want to make sure the frag is stable on the rock. I've found that growth can be pretty slow, and they just won't encrust if the frag gets moved around. My best results have come from mounting the frag permanently in a good spot, where the polyp is flush with the surface of the rock. This way, it's got the best chance to grow and thrive.