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Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 3:54 pm
by fruitblast
My Acropora millepora isn't growing like it used to. Got it a few months back, and it was thriving, but now it's just kinda stalled. Tank's a 40-gallon with AI Prime lighting, running at 80% for 8 hours. Parameters are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8 dKH, 1.025 salinity. Anyone got tips to kickstart growth again?
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 4:36 pm
by burrkat
Sounds like your params are solid, but Acropora millepora can be picky about flow. What's your current setup? I've had success with alternating flow patterns, like a gyre on one side and a random wavemaker on the other. Also, how often are you feeding? They love amino acids and small particle foods like Reef Roids.
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 6:29 pm
by Tealux
fruitblast wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 3:54 pm
My Acropora millepora isn't growing like it used to. Got it a few months back, and it was thriving, but now it's just kinda stalled. Tank's a 40-gallon with AI Prime lighting, running at 80% for 8 hours. Parameters are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8 dKH, 1.025 salinity. Anyone got tips to kickstart growth again?
Your lighting might be part of the issue. Acropora millepora often prefers higher PAR values. Try bumping your AI Prime to 90% and extending the photoperiod to 10 hours. Also, check your magnesium levels—they should be around 1350 ppm for optimal growth.
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 6:46 pm
by florawhis
I've had similar issues before, and it turned out my tank was too clean. Nitrates at 5 are fine, but maybe try letting them creep up to 10 ppm. Also, are you dosing anything? A balanced trace element regimen can make a huge difference. I use Red Sea's Colors program and my millepora's been popping.
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 6:53 pm
by briar
yo, my millepora was chillin' till i switched to a stronger light. now it's growin' like crazy. maybe your primes ain't cuttin' it no more. also, try feedin' more often, like every other day. they love that stuff.
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 8:48 pm
by Marky
florawhis wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 6:46 pm
I've had similar issues before, and it turned out my tank was too clean. Nitrates at 5 are fine, but maybe try letting them creep up to 10 ppm. Also, are you dosing anything? A balanced trace element regimen can make a huge difference. I use Red Sea's Colors program and my millepora's been popping.
I agree with the nitrate suggestion. My millepora didn't take off until I let nitrates hover around 10–15 ppm. Also, how's your phosphate? Too low can stall growth just as much as too high.
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 10:32 pm
by hazilk
my millepora was slow till i added more flow. got a mp10 now and it's happy. also, check your alk swings. if it's bouncing around, that'll mess with growth big time.
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2025 11:32 pm
by fruitblast
Thanks for all the advice, everyone. Gonna tweak my lighting and try feeding more often. Appreciate the help!
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 1:13 am
by Chili
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is temperature stability. Acropora millepora can be sensitive to fluctuations. What's your heater setup like? I run two heaters on a controller to avoid swings, and my corals have never been happier.
Re: Acropora millepora growth tips
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 2:50 am
by mixtune
I'm new to millepora, but I've heard they need strong, consistent flow. What's the best wavemaker for a 40-gallon? I'm thinking about getting one but don't wanna overdo it.