Torch Coral Care Guide

Torch Corals (Euphyllia glabrescens) are iconic Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals, beloved by aquarists for their mesmerizing, flowing tentacles. To ensure these corals thrive in your reef tank, understanding their specific husbandry requirements is crucial.

### Lighting

Torch Corals generally prefer moderate lighting conditions. While they are adaptable, extreme light intensity can cause them to retract or bleach. It's often best to acclimate them gradually to new lighting setups, starting them in a lower light area and moving them up if they show good extension and color. Pay attention to their reaction; if they appear stressed, reduce the light intensity or move them to a shadier spot.

### Water Flow

Moderate, indirect water flow is ideal for Torch Corals. Strong, direct flow can damage their delicate polyps and prevent them from fully extending. The flow should be sufficient to keep detritus from accumulating on their polyps and to ensure that nutrients and food particles reach them, but gentle enough to allow their tentacles to sway naturally.

### Feeding

While Torch Corals derive a significant portion of their nutrition from the symbiotic zooxanthellae within their tissues, they are also avid eaters. They readily accept a variety of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small marine invertebrates. Target feeding once or twice a week, ideally when their feeding tentacles are extended, can significantly boost their growth and overall health. Turn off powerheads during feeding to prevent food from being swept away.

### Placement

Careful placement is critical for Torch Corals due to their sweeper tentacles. These tentacles, which are typically longer and armed with stinging nematocysts, can extend several inches and are capable of stinging and damaging nearby corals. Always provide ample space around your Torch Coral to prevent it from harming other inhabitants in your reef tank. Ensure no other corals are within reach of their longest sweeper tentacles, especially at night when they may extend further.

### Water Parameters

Like most LPS corals, Torch Corals require stable water parameters. Maintaining consistent levels of alkalinity (8-12 dKH), calcium (400-450 ppm), and magnesium (1250-1350 ppm) is essential for their skeletal growth. Regular water changes and a robust dosing regimen, if necessary, will help maintain these parameters. Salinity should be kept stable at 1.025-1.026 specific gravity, and temperature between 74-78°F (23-26°C).

By providing consistent conditions and observing your Torch Coral's behavior, you can enjoy these stunning corals in your home aquarium.

--- *Based on research from [Reef Builders](https://reefbuilders.com)*