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Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 1:40 am
by bigBird
My Torch coral isn't extending its polyps like it used to. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, 8.2 pH, 78F temp. Running a 75g tank with AI Prime lighting, 12 hours a day. Any ideas what's up?
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 2:05 am
by aquabug
How long has it been like this? Sometimes they just need time to adjust after a change. What's your flow like? Too much can stress them out. I've had mine retract for days after tweaking the powerheads.
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 3:34 am
by gaslyte
bigBird wrote: ↑Mon Jul 14, 2025 1:40 am
My Torch coral isn't extending its polyps like it used to. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, 8.2 pH, 78F temp. Running a 75g tank with AI Prime lighting, 12 hours a day. Any ideas what's up?
Check your alkalinity and calcium levels. Torches can be picky about those. Mine perks up when I keep alk around 8-9 dKH and calcium at 420-440 ppm.
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 4:53 am
by knightfox
Mine did the same thing last month. Turned out my magnesium was low. Fixed that and they opened up in a couple days. Maybe test for that?
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 6:29 am
by bouldon
Could be the lighting schedule. 12 hours might be too long. I run mine for 10 hours max, with a ramp-up period. Try shortening it and see if they respond.
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:02 am
by Lionheart
Any new tankmates? Sometimes fish or inverts mess with them. My clownfish used to nip at mine until I moved it.
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 9:12 am
by Voyager2
Yo, my torch was actin' sketchy too. Turned out the salt mix was off. Switched brands and it chilled out. Maybe check that?
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:10 am
by bigBird
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna test alk, calcium, and magnesium today. I'll also tweak the lighting schedule and see if that helps.
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 12:39 pm
by aquabug
Voyager2 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 14, 2025 9:12 am
Yo, my torch was actin' sketchy too. Turned out the salt mix was off. Switched brands and it chilled out. Maybe check that?
Good point. I've seen that happen with cheaper mixes. What brand are you using now?
Re: Torch coral polyp extension
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 2:13 pm
by gaslyte
Also, how often are you doing water changes? If it's been a while, a fresh batch might help. I do 10% weekly and my torches love it.