So, you have a torch coral in your aquarium. However, you’ve noticed that it’s rarely fully extended, and now you’re concerned that there could be a problem. The good news is that you shouldn’t dwell on it too much, as this is usually caused by something that can be resolved.
The torch coral is a popular large polyp stony (LPS) coral species. The torch coral has long, flowing, fleshy polyps which extend from a calcified (stony) base. When the coral has moderate water flow, they look a bit like a torch (where they get its common name).
Let’s get right into the reason why your torch coral isn’t fully extending in the aquarium!
Why Is My Torch Coral Not Fully Extending?
There can be various reasons why your torch coral isn’t fully extending.
The first potential problem is that there could be an issue with your aquarium’s environment. The positioning of the torch coral, whether it’s absorbing enough light or not, and whether or not the water flow in the aquarium is right.
It’s possible that your torch coral isn’t getting enough food.
Proper Torch Coral Aquarium Conditions
To care for torch corals in a marine aquarium, there are some things that you’ll need to know.
Euphyllia glabrescens, like many other coral species, demand the correct water tank temperature. They can be intolerant of large changes in water quality, including temperature. They’re sensitive to nearly any amount of copper in the water.
Calcium and alkalinity are two crucial water variables that’ll affect the growth of a torch coral because they’re a large polyp stony coral.
It’s important to have the correct amounts of calcium levels because if it gets too low, the coral will begin to die. A calcium level of around 400 ppm is good for the coral. Calcium levels can be maintained by:
- Using a calcium test kit to determine levels
- Using a high-quality salt mixture
- When needed, add extra calcium in the form of a kalkwasser or a two-part solution.
Where Should Torch Corals Go In An Aquarium?
When it comes to positioning a torch coral in your reef tank, it’s important to know that this species isn’t too fussy.
Places to avoid include areas that are too bright or have very strong currents, as well as areas that are too dark or have too low currents.
Torch corals often require a little more light compared to low-lighting species like the mushroom coral, but not as much as other species.
Heavier currents can potentially harm fragile, fleshy polyps and can lead to the coral closing up.
If the coral is getting too much light, bleaching can happen. On the other hand, inadequate lighting can cause the same to happen, the coral not being fully extended.
How Much Light Does A Torch Coral Need?
Torch corals need moderate light for photosynthesis and can survive in the center of your tank.
Most high-quality LED lights should be adequate for the torch coral.
Water flow is very important
The goal is to make sure that the torch coral gets a good water flow balance.
Again, water flow could be another reason why the coral isn’t fully extending as it should.
The polyps should be moving by the current, although they shouldn’t be under so much strain that they are bent over their skeleton.
An excessive flow can rip the polyps, in the worst-case scenario will prevent the polyps from extending.
Feeding Your Torch Coral
Just like any other sea creature, corals need to eat. Just like many other coral species, torch corals contain zooxanthellae. The torch coral has a symbiotic relationship with these single-celled organisms, which are able to photosynthesize, providing nutrients to their host.
Does this mean that you don’t need to feed your torch coral? Although there are some aquarists that let their torch coral rely on photosynthesis, this coral does need regular feedings. You can feed them small, meaty food twice a week to keep your torch coral well-fed. You can use frozen foods like brine shrimp or Mysis shrimp.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating when a torch coral won’t fully extend for prolonged periods. However, there’re always reasons why this is happening.
The first thing you should do is to always keep your water parameters as good as possible.
Remember that changes in water flow, lighting, pH, or salinity could be the culprit. You also need to make sure that nothing is irritating the coral polyps, like Aiptasia anemones or a hungry fish.
