Help with torch tentacles flaccid and laying down

drolmaeye

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 8, 2022
Messages
217
Reaction score
279
Location
Chicago
What state or country do you live in
Illinois
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have had a torch for approximately three weeks. First two weeks everything looked fine, but last week it has been laying down a fair bit -- tentacles are extended but are often flat and a bit lifeless (see torch on the right of photo). Any experienced torch keepers know if this is a response to a specific issue? Or is it a usual process of elimination in terms of parameters, lighting, flow?

Thanks in advance for any possible insight. Parameters and some info included below pic.

20240629_141640.jpg


25 gallon frag tank w/ single gyre with randomized laminar flow (three existing torches show moments of peace as well as regular, nice movement)

Ca: 410
Alk: 8.5
Mg: 1400
NO3: 2.5
PO4: 0.02

PAR: ~150

Still in early tank stages at about 5 months in.
Dose 1 ppm nitrates/day (Brightwell neoNitro)
Dose ~5mL All-for-Reef 2-3 times/week to maintain alk in 8.3-.8.7 range.
Coral feeding a couple of times a week with RedSea Reef Energy+

LPS frag tank (~15 LPS frags all added in the last 6 weeks), other corals seem to be doing well.
Springeri damsel, ruby red dragonet, 3 dwarf blue hermits, 6 astraea snails
 
In my experience Euphyllia like a partially shaded location. Half under a rock ledge.
Not necessary at all, none of my torches are shaded in any way

150 par
85206CB5-C68B-4583-99BE-F0A32D7C00C1.jpeg


200 par
47C400A8-58BC-47A1-8630-7019E9692C1D.jpeg


Flow is more important. I’ve heard of people keeping torch in 400 par
 
In my own experience. Torches can take a couple months before they accept a new environment. Some adapt in a few days. Others have been pouty. Right now, i currently have a limp noodle and a bloated torch (is looking much better today).

If you know the flow is proper. Don't touch the torch.

The limp noodle
DSC01607.jpg
The bloated toad
20240703_091724.jpg
 
Flow… if it’s “inflating” but not moving in the flow, the flow is too low.
 
First, I really appreciate all of the replies. This thread slipped down the page initially on Monday so I tired to figure it out myself.

I believed my water and lighting were most likely okay so decided to bump up the flow a bit. I rearranged a couple of taller frags and a piece of rock on the rack that I thought might be shielding the torch from flow, and I bumped up the maximum of my gyre's random flow just a bit.

It took a few days but for the last 2-3 days the torch has been looking much better. I just walked back to have a look at the tank (after maintenance earlier today) and it really looked beautiful to me. Anyway, I'll enjoy the feeling while it lasts as there's a 50% chance I'll feel the opposite tomorrow, LOL.

Fingers crossed that things continue in a positive direction.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
Back
Top