Though the classic green slimer isn’t the SPS I recommend as your first (I think birds nest are much easier) they are most certainly the one I recommend for the first acropora. A quick not on how to pronounce that: It is a-crop-uh-ruh though everyone you meet will likely say acro-pour-uh. Some dictionaries say either works. The lesson being – don’t correct someone if they say it either way. To avoid this most people will just say “acro”.
The name “green slimer” comes from just what you would expect, a slimy coat of mucus the coral excretes. You will get quite a bit of it in the bag when you get your frag home. Because of this I don’t use any of the water it comes in (not a good practice anyway) and I rinse it off a bit after I dip it.
In terms of lighting and conditions it requires strong lighting and clean water. If the lighting isn’t bright enough the coral will drop much of the bright green color and go brown. It will still be healthy but not nearly as attractive. This is because under lower light it will build up the amount of zooxanthellae in the tissue.
This is also an affordable coral with small frags being available quite often for under $20. It grows fast so I recommend starting small. One issue I have had over and over with this coral relates to mounting it. The slime tends to prevent glue from adhering so it often comes off the frag plug. You can dry off the bottom of the frag with a paper towel and use super glue to get it to stick. Though you can always stick the frag in a hole in your rock I don’t recommend this practice as they always seem to get knocked out of the hole and fall to the sand. Sand seems to be a great enemy to the slimer. Anytime I’ve had this happen the tissue seems to suffer. Luckily this issue is now a thing of the past with the new frag gripper. That is an invention from Reefstew.com owner Bob Bittner.
I’ve been able to grow them pretty well in tanks that don’t have calcium added (water changes seem to suffice unless the coral load is larger) but find they don’t do well in mixed coral tanks. If you have conditions that soft corals do well in my experience is the acropora don’t care for it. If you can grow xenia, your tank is not likely the right one for this coral. But if you are successful with montipora or favia, you will have better luck.
One more note – flow is important with this coral. Too much and the coral will produce more slime as if it is being annoyed by something, not enough and it won’t do well either. The secret is just to make sure the flow isn’t pointed directly at it. Let it get flow that is bounced off the glass a bit.
I love this coral. It is a good home for clown goby and acropora crabs and isn’t all that hard to keep. Just be sure it is mounted well and if you want it to remain nice and green give it the right light.
Bali Green Slimer The Bali Green Slimer (Acropora yongei) is a classic aquarium coral which has been in the hobby for more than 20 years. No fancy colors,