Acropora growth patterns

[craftzone]

My Acropora colonies have been growing really slow lately. I've got them under Radion XR15s, running the AB+ schedule, and my params are stable, 8.1 dKH, 420 calcium, 1350 magnesium. Any ideas why they're not taking off?

[oceana9]

Yo, slow growth can be a vibe killer. What's your nitrate and phosphate at? If they're too low, your Acros might be starving. Mine took off when I bumped nitrates to 5 ppm and phosphates to 0.05.

[daxton6]

Yo, slow growth can be a vibe killer. What's your nitrate and phosphate at? If they're too low, your Acros might be starving. Mine took off when I bumped nitrates to 5 ppm and phosphates to 0.05.

That's solid advice. Also, check your flow. Acros need random, turbulent flow to thrive. I use two MP40s on reef crest mode.

[Veloric9]

How old is your tank? Acros can be picky in newer setups. Mine didn't start growing well until my tank was over a year old. Stability is key.

[sSjey]

I'd double-check your lighting intensity too. Even with the AB+ schedule, if your PAR is too low or high, growth can stall. I aim for 300–350 PAR at the Acro level.

[Freshmint]

Bro, have you tried feeding them? Reef Roids or Aminos can give 'em a boost. My Acros love it when I spot feed 'em twice a week.

[zenor4]

What's your alk consumption like? If it's not steady, that could stress 'em out. I dose to keep alk within 0.5 dKH of my target.

[emeraldz]

I've heard Acros can slow down if there's too much competition from soft corals. Do you have any leathers or zoas nearby?

[bettaLite]

Mine did the same thing until I switched salts. Some brands have trace elements dialed in better for SPS. Now I use Red Sea Blue Bucket.

[craftzone]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I'll test nitrates and phosphates tonight and adjust my flow. Appreciate the help!