New Torch Won’t Open - Fully Retracted

dmmitchell · Dec 31, 2020

Got a new Torch coral from an online shop two days ago. The first couple of hours you could see only the tips of the tentacles - literally just a couple of millimeters. Now it’s fully retracted into the base with no visibility.

Help! Any idea what might be wrong with it? Other corals in the same tank are doing fine - no substantial changes made lately and nothing in the tank that would be bothering it.

Tokash23 · Dec 31, 2020

Hate to say it but that thing is toast. I would contact the seller see if they are willing to do anything.

James M · Dec 31, 2020

Sounds like you received a DOA torch or a unhealthy torch was shipped out. Unfortunately it looks like it already died

Quietman · Dec 31, 2020

That's not retracted, that's gone. Contact your dealer to see if they can help, mine have before and made it good (better actually). But sometimes, even with the best of acclimation protocols, you lose things...you did acclimate right?

Quietman · Dec 31, 2020

Just for the record...it's happened to everyone in the hobby who does a lot of online ordering (which I do exclusively). I've opened up bags of jelly and a plug instead of nice mushroom, had the exact same thing happen to a hammer as you had...barely there for a few days and then gone. And I acclimated the heck out of it.

That's why it's critically important to have a good online seller. In both instances I had used @Tidal Gardens and they made it right even though it was likely stress from shipping. The hammer was even replaced with a gorgeous 3 head frag. I even offered to pay more after it was delivered. Sadly - dino outbreak a few months later wiped out almost everything.

Point is...it happens. We do what we can to maximize health when buying from shipper. Select good retailer (read reviews), acclimate carefully and thoroughly, and I only order if temps aren't going to be extreme, or if no bad weather can cause delays.

Good luck next time!