How to Care for Torch Corals in Your Reef Tank
- , by Mark Davis
- 3 min reading time
Torch corals are iconic LPS corals with long, flowing tentacles and stunning colors. Learn how to keep them healthy with the right lighting, flow, feeding, and water parameters.
What Are Torch Corals?
Torch corals (Euphyllia glabrescens) are one of the most iconic and beloved LPS corals in the reef hobby. Named for their long, flowing tentacles tipped with a distinctive rounded end, they add dramatic movement and rich color to any reef tank. They're a favorite among intermediate reefers for their bold presence and relatively straightforward care — once you understand their needs.
Lighting
Torch corals thrive under moderate light — 80–200 PAR. Too much intensity can cause bleaching, while too little will result in poor polyp extension and dull coloration. Place them in the mid to lower sections of your tank and acclimate gradually if upgrading your lighting.
Flow
Low to moderate, indirect flow is ideal. Torch corals love gentle, random current that causes their tentacles to sway and dance. Direct, high-powered flow will cause them to retract and can damage their tissue over time. Avoid placing them in the direct path of a powerhead or return pump.
Feeding
Torch corals are aggressive feeders with long sweeper tentacles. Target feed 2–3 times per week with:
- Mysis shrimp
- Reef Roids
- Coral frenzy
- Small pieces of silversides or krill
Turn off flow pumps for 15–30 minutes after feeding. Well-fed Torches grow faster, show richer colors, and are more resistant to disease.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
- Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
- Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1350–1450 ppm
- Nitrates: 5–15 ppm
- Phosphates: 0.05–0.10 ppm
Alkalinity stability is especially important for Torch corals. Swings of even 1–2 dKH can trigger stress or Brown Jelly Disease.
Placement
Give Torch corals plenty of space — their sweeper tentacles can extend 6 inches or more at night and will sting neighboring corals. They do best on open rock or sandy substrate in the lower to mid tank. Euphyllia corals (Hammers, Frogspawn) are generally compatible with each other but will sting everything else.
Common Issues
- Tentacles not extending: Usually flow, lighting, or water quality. Give it time to acclimate and check parameters.
- Brown Jelly Disease (BJD): A bacterial infection that spreads rapidly. Remove the coral immediately, frag healthy tissue, and treat with a coral dip (e.g., CoralRx or Bayer).
- Bleaching: Too much light or an alkalinity spike. Move to a shadier spot and stabilize parameters.
- Recession at the base: Often caused by low flow at the base allowing detritus to accumulate. Adjust flow direction slightly.
- Tissue loss: Often caused by Euphyllia eating flat worms. They are annoying to get rid of. Takes weeks to months to eradicate them because coral dips don’t kill their eggs you have to manually remove them.
Torch Coral Aggression
Torch corals are one of the more aggressive LPS corals. Their sweeper tentacles are potent and will sting and kill neighboring corals overnight. Always plan your aquascape with adequate spacing — at least 6–8 inches from other non-Euphyllia corals.
Ready to Add a Torch Coral to Your Reef?
Browse our hand-selected LPS corals at Reefverse — chosen for health, color, and quality.