🌀 Acan Coral – Colorful, Hardy, and a Top Pick for Reef Tanks

What is an Acan Coral?

The Acan Coral (Acanthastrea spp.) is one of the most vibrant and beginner-friendly LPS corals available in the reef-keeping hobby. Known for its fleshy polyps and bold colors—ranging from reds and oranges to purples, teals, and rainbows—Acans bring high visual impact with low effort. They form round, puffy mounds or encrusting colonies and are ideal for hobbyists looking for easy color and texture in their saltwater reef tank.

Acan Coral Care Guide

Acans are moderately hardy and do well in stable reef tanks. They’re great for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

✅ Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)

✅ Salinity: 1.024–1.026

✅ pH: 8.1–8.4

✅ Calcium: 400–450 ppm

✅ Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

✅ Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

Lighting: Low to moderate PAR (50–150) keeps their color vibrant. Avoid high-intensity lighting.
Flow: Gentle to moderate flow helps keep them clean without stressing the tissue.

Ideal Placement in the Aquarium

Place Acans on the sandbed or lower/middle rockwork in areas with gentle lighting and calmer flow. Give them room to expand without being crowded.

• Leave a few inches of space from other corals

• Avoid strong direct flow

• Works well in nano reefs or mixed displays

Feeding Acan Coral

Acans are photosynthetic but also love to eat. Target feed 2–3 times a week to boost growth and color.

🧪 Good options include:

• Mysis shrimp

• Brine shrimp

• Reef Roids or Coral Frenzy

• LPS pellets

• Frozen coral blends

Use a pipette or feeder to deliver food directly to the coral’s mouths.

Compatibility With Tankmates

Acans are generally peaceful, but they may extend feeder tentacles at night. Keep a little distance from neighbors.

✅ Good for:

• Mixed reef tanks

• Soft coral and LPS tanks

• Peaceful, reef-safe fish and inverts

❌ Avoid direct contact with aggressive stony corals

Signs of Stress in Acan Coral

Watch for:

• Receding tissue – May be caused by pests, poor water, or high light

• Faded colors – Could mean excess light or nutrient deficiency

• Closed polyps – Possibly stress from parameter swings or flow

• Algae buildup – Indicates low flow or dirty conditions

Fixing lighting, flow, or water quality early helps them bounce back quickly.

🌈 Why Choose Acan Coral?

Acan Corals are colorful, easy to grow, and perfect for tanks of any size. If you want reef-safe personality with stunning color, Acans are a smart choice.

✅ Beginner-friendly
✅ Ideal for small or large reef tanks
✅ Eye-catching color and texture
✅ Enjoys feeding and responds well to care
✅ Adds movement and structure to your reef