Red Acan Bowerbanki

Acanthastrea bowerbanki is a large-polyp stony coral appreciated for its exceptionally large, fleshy polyps. While often grouped in with the more common "Acan Lord" (Micromussa lordhowensis), Bowerbanki is a distinct species with its own unique characteristics. In a home reef, it stands out for its texture and presence. This particular specimen shows the deep red colouration the species is known for.

Individual polyps can grow quite large, sometimes exceeding an inch in diameter, giving the colony a puffy, almost billowy appearance when the polyps are fully expanded. It grows as an encrusting coral, slowly covering the rockwork it is placed on, with new polyps budding from the colony's edge. The tissue has a rich, uniform red that looks solid and substantial under aquarium lighting.

For best results, place the Red Acan Bowerbanki in a lower-light area of the reef, with a PAR value between 75 and 150. It prefers low to moderate, indirect water flow, just enough to keep the polyps free of detritus without causing them to retract. Placement on the sandbed or a low rock ledge is ideal. While photosynthetic, it benefits greatly from direct feeding; offering meaty foods like mysis shrimp or other finely chopped seafood once or twice a week will improve its growth and colour. Maintain standard water parameters with calcium at 420-440 ppm, alkalinity at 8-9 dKH, and magnesium around 1300-1400 ppm. Though not overly aggressive, it can extend sweeper tentacles at night, so leave a few inches of space between it and its neighbours.

Its slow, predictable growth and tolerance for lower light make A. bowerbanki a manageable and rewarding coral for many systems. It is a good choice for adding a patch of rich colour and texture to the lower third of a reef scape, where other corals might struggle for light.

This is a WYSIWYG item, so you'll receive the exact specimen pictured.

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.