Grape escape acropora

Grape Escape Acropora is a vibrant, grape-purple table or bushy acro that tends to glow under blue light. It’s moderately hardy once settled, but like most colorful acropora it expects consistency and space to show off its branching structure.

Lighting

Moderate to strong light, usually 250 to 350 PAR. The purple deepens under higher light, while lower light shifts it toward brown or lavender. Acclimate slowly because sudden jumps in intensity can pale the tips.

Flow

High, random flow. You want intersecting currents that keep polyps moving without blasting the branches in one direction. This species builds dense nodes, so consistent turbulence is important for oxygenation and preventing detritus buildup.

Placement

Mid to high on the rockwork. Grape Escape tends to build chunky branches or a loose table depending on flow. Give it open space around the top so it doesn’t get shaded by more aggressive growers. It can eventually shade whatever is directly beneath it.

Water parameters

Standard acropora stability applies.

Calcium around 420.
Alkalinity around 8 to 8.4.
Magnesium near 1350.
Nitrate 5 to 15.
Phosphate 0.04 to 0.1.

When nutrients fall too low, the purple fades quickly. When alkalinity swings, the tips burn or stop growing.

Feeding

Light is the main energy source. Occasional amino acids can improve the richness of the purple but keep dosing mild. No need for targeted feeding.

Growth behavior

Moderate growth speed. It encrusts the base, then builds thick knobby branches that form an open, airy canopy. Branches are sturdy compared to many delicate acros, which makes fragging easy and predictable.

Sensitivities

AEFW and red bugs can hit it, especially because the thick branches hide early bite marks. Dip new pieces and watch for dulling patches at the base. Alk instability causes tip recession quickly.

Compatibility

Peaceful stinger-wise, but like most acros it will dominate by shading if placed too close to slower SPS or LPS. Keep a small buffer zone around its eventual footprint.