Introduction to Torch Corals
Torch corals (Euphyllia glabrescens) are a favorite among reef keepers for their long, flowing tentacles and vibrant coloration. Known for their dynamic movement and range of hues—greens, golds, purples, and more—they add an elegant, natural feel to any aquarium. Torch corals are a type of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral and are relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Their peaceful nature, combined with their ability to adapt to a variety of tank conditions, makes Torch corals a staple in reef tanks worldwide.
Location
Torch corals (Euphyllia glabrescens) are found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as Indonesia, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. They typically inhabit lagoonal and reef slope environments, where water flow is moderate, and light is diffused. These habitats provide the perfect balance of nutrients and conditions for Torch corals to thrive.
Water Chemistry
Torch corals thrive in stable water conditions with parameters that support their growth and health. Maintaining consistency is key to avoiding stress and promoting vibrant coloration:
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
- Magnesium: 1300-1500 ppm
- Nitrates: 5-15 ppm
- Phosphates: <0.10 ppm
- Temperature: 75-80°F
Torch corals are more tolerant of slight fluctuations in water chemistry compared to some SPS corals, but stable parameters are still crucial for their long-term success. Keeping salinity at 1.024-1.026 and pH between 8.1-8.4 will provide an ideal environment for these LPS corals to thrive. Regular testing and dosing will help ensure they remain healthy and vibrant.
Lighting
Torch corals prefer moderate to high lighting, thriving under a PAR range of 100-200. These corals are adaptable and can grow well under various lighting setups, including LEDs, T5 fluorescent lights, and metal halides. Providing balanced lighting will encourage healthy growth and maintain their vibrant coloration.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use a combination of Ecotech Marine Radions and metal halides to achieve optimal lighting for Torch corals in our aquaculture facility. Gradually acclimating Torch corals to their new lighting environment is essential to prevent stress or bleaching. Starting with lower intensity and slowly increasing it over 2-3 weeks will ensure a smooth transition.
Water Flow
Torch corals prefer moderate, indirect water flow that allows their long tentacles to sway gently without being blasted by strong currents. Proper water movement is crucial for bringing nutrients to the coral and removing waste, helping to maintain its health and vibrant appearance.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use a combination of Ecotech Marine MP’s, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse, and Sicce XStream wave makers to create the ideal flow environment for Torch corals in our aquaculture systems. Avoid placing Torch corals in areas with too much direct flow, as this can damage their delicate polyps and cause retraction. Instead, aim for flow that mimics natural reef lagoons, keeping the coral in constant yet gentle motion.
What We Feed
Torch corals rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy but can benefit greatly from supplemental feeding to enhance growth and coloration. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we feed our Torch corals a mix of fine-particle foods, such as our Royal Flush blend, which includes:
- Tisochrysis
- Rhodomonas
- Tetraselmis
In addition to these, Torch corals can consume meatier foods, such as mysis shrimp and other small, protein-rich offerings. Target feeding with these foods a few times a month can support their vibrant coloration and promote faster growth.
To ensure effective feeding, use a turkey baster to gently target-feed the coral, pausing water flow for approximately 10-15 minutes. This allows the coral enough time to capture and digest the food without interruption.
Coloration and Tank Maturity
Torch corals are prized for their vibrant and dynamic coloration, ranging from deep golds and greens to stunning purples and blues. Their coloration can be influenced by a combination of factors, including lighting spectrum, water quality, and supplemental feeding. Deeper blue lighting enhances their vivid colors, while balanced lighting ensures steady growth.
Feeding Torch corals with nutrient-rich foods, such as mysis shrimp and amino acids, contributes to their rich pigmentation. Proper levels of trace elements, including iron and iodine, also play a significant role in maintaining their vibrant appearance.
Torch corals adapt relatively quickly to new systems, provided stable parameters are maintained. With consistent care and optimal conditions, they will thrive, adding movement and color to your reef for years to come.
Common Challenges
While Torch corals are considered hardy for LPS corals, there are a few challenges reefers may face:
- Brown Jelly Disease: Torch corals can occasionally suffer from this bacterial infection, which appears as a brown, jelly-like substance covering the coral. Prompt removal of the affected tissue and improving tank conditions can help mitigate this issue.
- Polyp Bailout: Stress caused by unstable water conditions, excessive flow, or nutrient imbalances can lead to polyp bailout, where the coral detaches from its skeleton. Maintaining consistent parameters and gentle flow can prevent this.
- Tissue Retraction: Excessive water flow or improper placement can cause Torch corals to retract their polyps. Ensuring gentle, indirect flow is key to their health and movement.
- Sensitivity to Water Quality: Poor water quality—especially high nitrate or phosphate levels—can lead to tissue recession or diminished coloration. Regular testing and water changes are essential.
- Lighting Stress: Inconsistent lighting or sudden increases in intensity can stress Torch corals, leading to bleaching or tissue loss. Gradual acclimation to new lighting is critical.
How We Farm/Propagate This
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we carefully farm and propagate Torch corals in our dedicated aquaculture facility to ensure their health, coloration, and adaptability to home aquariums. Using a combination of Ecotech Marine Radions and metal halides for optimal lighting and advanced wavemakers like Ecotech Marine MP’s, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse, and Sicce XStream, we replicate the natural conditions Torch corals need to thrive.
Propagation begins by selecting healthy parent colonies and fragging them with precision to minimize stress. Each frag is mounted securely with reef-safe glue or epoxy and placed in grow-out tanks where they are closely monitored for growth and coloration. This controlled environment allows us to provide aquacultured Torch corals that are well-suited for captive systems and ensure sustainability within the reefing hobby.
Acclimation Guide
Proper acclimation is essential for ensuring a smooth transition for Torch corals into your reef system. These corals can experience stress from shipping or environmental changes, so following these steps will help them settle in successfully:
- Temperature Acclimation: Float the bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature.
- Drip Acclimation: Gradually introduce your tank water to the coral.
- Lighting Acclimation: Place the Torch coral in a lower-light area of the tank or reduce your light intensity initially. Gradually increase lighting over the next 2-3 weeks to avoid bleaching.
- Placement: Mount the coral securely using glue or epoxy on a rock or ledge with moderate, indirect water flow. Monitor its behavior and coloration during the adjustment period.
