Torch Coral Care Guide

Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens) is one of the most elegant and sought-after LPS (large polyp stony) corals in the hobby. Its long, flowing tentacles with distinctive hammer or torch tips make it a stunning centrepiece in any reef tank. It’s moderately beginner-friendly with the right parameters.

Tank Requirements

• Established reef tank: minimum 3–6 months old
• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 sg
• Temperature: 25–27°C (77–80°F)
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH (stable — swings stress LPS badly)
• Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
• Nitrate: 2–10 ppm (some nutrients preferred)
• Phosphate: 0.02–0.10 ppm

Lighting

Torch corals prefer moderate light — 50–150 PAR. They will bleach under intense SPS-level lighting. Place them in the lower to middle thirds of the tank and watch for polyp extension: full extension means it’s happy; retracted means too much light or flow.

Flow

Low to moderate, indirect flow is essential. Torch corals are harmed by direct, high-velocity flow — their tentacles should gently sway, not be blown horizontal. Place them away from powerheads or use a wavemaker on a gentle random pattern.

Aggressive Sweepers

Torch corals have long sweeper tentacles (extending 6+ inches at night) that sting neighbouring corals. Give them significant space from other corals — especially Euphyllia species like hammer or frogspawn, which can have intense Euphyllia-to-Euphyllia aggression.

Feeding

Torch corals benefit from target feeding 1–2 times per week:

• Mysis shrimp, rotifers, or reef-specific coral foods
• Feed at night when sweeper tentacles are extended
• Use a pipette or turkey baster to direct food to tentacles

Fragging

Torch corals can be fragged by cutting between heads on multi-head colonies. Use coral bone cutters and dip frags in coral dip before placing. Allow several weeks for recovery.

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