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Introduction to How to Care for Torch Corals
Known as Euphyllia glabrescens, the Torch coral is classified as a large polyp stony (LPS) coral genus. Well-known for its long and flowing polyps that originate from a hard base. In calm water current, these corals display fleshy tentacles with round bright-coloured tips – like a torch. Other examples of corals in the same genus are the Frogspawn (Divisa) and the Hammer corals (Ancora).
Torch corals are popular LPS corals for hobbyists and beginners because they are straightforward to keep.
This article will share some of the most relevant details about torch corals, including how to feed them and tank requirements.
Quick Facts
- Common Names: Torch
- Scientific Name: Euphyllia glabrescens
- Care Level: Easy, beginner-friendly
- Water Flow: Moderate
- Light Intensity: Moderate
- Aggression: Semi to highly aggressive
Feeding Torch Corals
Like most LPS corals, Torch corals keep a symbiotic relationship with the zooxanthellae they host in their bodies. This way, they can convert light energy into sugar. While Torch corals can live fine with this feeding from the zooxanthellae, experts say manually feeding them might make sense too. However, in all you do, do not overfeed the corals.
Do I need to feed them?
It’s an optional choice. But, it’s your responsibility to keep the water in pristine condition.
Feeding Torch corals is not complex; you can simply spray the food directly at the animals. If you want their rapid growth and improved health, you may feed them with Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and plankton.
Avoid overfeeding so that the leftover particles do not contaminate the water.
Water Parameters
Tank Size
Since Torch corals are semi-aggressive, you should keep them away from other corals. Moreover, they can grow so big that they might disturb neighbouring corals. A tank size of about 20 gallons might do the trick.
Temperature and pH
Temperature: keep the temperature between 76 to 83 degrees Celsius
pH: between 8.1 to 8.4
Placement in a Saltwater Tank
By now, you already know that Torch corals are semi-aggressive in nature. So, in terms of placement in a saltwater tank, never keep in close range with other coral species.
You want to place them where they are comfortable – where they can get moderate lighting and water flow. An ideal placement can be in the lower sections of a tank, either directly on a substrate or the surface of live rock.
Water Flow
Torch corals prefer moderate water flow. You can tell if the water flow is vital when you notice the coral polyps are not extending correctly. Additionally, if the corals do not open up, that’s another sign of a strong current.
Lighting (75 to 150 PAR)
Strive to keep lighting moderate for the best growth rate and coloration. However, do not expose Torch corals to high light intensity as this would cause them to bleach.
Preferably, use lighting from metal halides but be careful so the intensity isn’t too high. Interestingly, Torch corals can tell you when light intensity is too high or not favourable. The lighting is probably too high if you notice they do not change their colours.
Finally, Let’s Discuss Common Problems with Keeping Torch Corals
Polyps Not Opening
If you ever encounter such a problem with your corals, you need to check the following:
- Is the water flow generated by the powerheads moderate?
- How about the water parameters?
Solution: the first thing you want to do is to test the water parameters and be sure you’ve got the proper measurements. If you’re seeking expert help, the best thing you can do is to be 100% transparent.
Also, check if nothing irritates the coral inside the tank. An excellent example of this is Aiptasia anemones.
Brown Jelly
Usually, this is noticeable as a brown jelly-like infection. This may be a result of poor water quality or overfeeding.
Solution: separate the coral from the tank to a different environment. Then, dip into an iodine solution to cure the infection. Alternatively, frag the healthy branches to save the coral colony immediately.