Acan coral reef compatibility check
Micromussa lordhowensis
Acan coral (Micromussa lordhowensis) is a beginner-level LPS coral that needs at least 20 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; can be damaged by too much direct light or flow. Plan moderate light and low flow (placement: lower rockwork or sandbed).
Colorful LPS for calmer zones in stable beginner-to-mixed reefs.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 20+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 20 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Can be damaged by too much direct light or flow.
Compatibility warnings
- Can be damaged by too much direct light or flow.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 20 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Placement should be validated against measured PAR, turbulent flow, allelopathy/stinging distance, and future colony growth.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 20 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Varied
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 5 in
- Placement
- lower rockwork or sandbed
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Low
- Light
- Moderate
- Bioload
- 0.3
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Blastomussa coral
Same 20-gallon floor, low light.
- Bubble coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Candy cane coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Duncan coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- Red Sea ReefLED 90
Lists about 220 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- Orphek Atlantik iCon Compact
Lists about 250 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- Kessil A360X Controllable LED Tuna Blue
Lists about 280 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does acan coral need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 20 gallons, based on an adult size of about 5 inches, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is acan coral reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Can be damaged by too much direct light or flow.
Is acan coral good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care.
How much light and flow does acan coral need?
ReefCrafter lists a moderate light need and low flow (placement: lower rockwork or sandbed). In planner terms that starts around 100 PAR.