🍓🔥 Aussie Shortcake Acro
Acropora microclados (Ultra SPS Frag – Homegrown Australia)
Quick Stats
-
Care Level: Advanced
-
Temperament: Peaceful
-
Colour Form: Vivid raspberry-pink branches with lime-green growth tips and cream-colored axial polyps. Under intense blue/actinic light, the contrast deepens, showcasing a candy-like appearance.
-
Water Conditions: 24–26 °C, dKH 7.5–9.5, pH 8.0–8.4, sg 1.025–1.026
-
Family: Acroporidae
-
Lighting: High-intensity (metal halide, T5, or strong LED)
-
Supplements: Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium, Strontium, Amino Acids
-
Water Flow: Strong and turbulent
-
Placement: Upper third of the aquascape on stable, high-light zones
Overview
The Aussie Shortcake Acro is one of the most iconic and desirable SPS frags in the reefing hobby — a dazzling combination of saturated pinks and neon greens with a tightly clustered, bottlebrush growth form. Cultured locally in controlled conditions, this homegrown specimen is hardened, pest-free, and primed for vibrant reef displays.
This coral thrives in mature, nutrient-balanced systems with pristine water parameters, strong flow, and consistent lighting, rewarding experienced aquarists with explosive colour and growth.
Care & Feeding
Requires a stable environment with low nutrient spikes and minimal fluctuation in parameters. While photosynthetic, coloration improves with amino acid dosing and regular micronutrient supplementation. Weekly inspection and stable KH/Ca are key to avoiding tissue recession.
Optimal Parameters
-
Alkalinity (dKH): 7.5–9.5
-
Calcium (Ca): 430–470 ppm
-
Magnesium (Mg): 1280–1380 ppm
-
Nitrate (NO₃): 1–5 ppm
-
Phosphate (PO₄): 0.01–0.03 ppm
Placement
Mount in high-light areas with direct turbulent flow to promote dense growth and vivid colouration. Ensure space for future growth and avoid shading from nearby colonies.
🍓🔥 Aussie Shortcake Acro
A reef delicacy in living colour — sweet, striking, and sculptural. Grown with care. Built to thrive.