Torch coral not fully extending

[Nathan Nguyen]

Hi everyone,

not sure why my torch is not extending fully since 4 days now. I’m thinking if it could be because of the temp. It was hot at my place in 2 days last week and temp of the tank rise from 77F to 80F. The temp now back to normal 77F since i got a cooling fan now.
Or if it could be because of the new torches? I introduced new two torches next to it? The other two are fine, but this one.
Those reasons happened at same time so I’m not sure the cause. Please see the photos.

Nitrate: 3
Phosphate: 0.03
Magnesium: 1420
Calcium: 430
Alkalinity: 10.9

Before:

Now (the one in the middle)

 

[Stephen8169301]

Give it a week it may still be getting comfortable

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi everyone,

not sure why my torch is not extending fully since 4 days now. I’m thinking if it could be because of the temp. It was hot at my place in 2 days last week and temp of the tank rise from 77F to 80F. The temp now back to normal 77F since i got a cooling fan now.
Or if it could be because of the new torches? I introduced new two torches next to it? The other two are fine, but this one.
Those reasons happened at same time so I’m not sure the cause. Please see the photos.

Nitrate: 3
Phosphate: 0.03
Magnesium: 1420
Calcium: 430
Alkalinity: 10.9

Before:

Now (the one in the middle)

Coral does not look terrible and 80 is not extreme. Some reasons they stress are:
- Too much flow which risks tearing polyps off skeleton
- Too much light which causes them to spill their energy source known as zooxanthellae
- Calcium too low needed for skeletal health (400-450)
- poor location for light and flow- best mid to upper tank
- Elevated Phosphate
- Elevated salinity (1.025-1.026)

 

[Wasabiroot]

Torches are sometimes tough to troubleshoot. I'm gonna suggest a few more things just in case:
-torches from different regions (indo vs aussie) don't always get along. I see a knicks torch behind
-potential pests (flatworms/vermetids on skeleton/irritation by livestock
-splitting can make them stubby
-sand irritation

Biggest thing I've found to indicate happiness is tissue extension down the skeleton rather than polyp extension per se.

 

[Pistondog]

Hi everyone,

not sure why my torch is not extending fully since 4 days now. I’m thinking if it could be because of the temp. It was hot at my place in 2 days last week and temp of the tank rise from 77F to 80F. The temp now back to normal 77F since i got a cooling fan now.
Or if it could be because of the new torches? I introduced new two torches next to it? The other two are fine, but this one.
Those reasons happened at same time so I’m not sure the cause. Please see the photos.

Nitrate: 3
Phosphate: 0.03
Magnesium: 1420
Calcium: 430
Alkalinity: 10.9

Before:

Now (the one in the middle)

Give it a week, if it gets worse, move it or the new torches out of reach.

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

Give it a week it may still be getting comfortable

Thank you! I will keep eyes on it

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

Coral does not look terrible and 80 is not extreme. Some reasons they stress are:
- Too much flow which risks tearing polyps off skeleton
- Too much light which causes them to spill their energy source known as zooxanthellae
- Calcium too low needed for skeletal health (400-450)
- poor location for light and flow- best mid to upper tank
- Elevated Phosphate
- Elevated salinity (1.025-1.026)

Thanks for the helpful information! I think it could be because of the light setting as well. I increased the light a bit because i got a maxima clam

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

Torches are sometimes tough to troubleshoot. I'm gonna suggest a few more things just in case:
-torches from different regions (indo vs aussie) don't always get along. I see a knicks torch behind
-potential pests (flatworms/vermetids on skeleton/irritation by livestock
-splitting can make them stubby
-sand irritation

Biggest thing I've found to indicate happiness is tissue extension down the skeleton rather than polyp extension per se.

Thank you! I’m thinking about the light too. I just change the setting on my AI prime since i got a maxima clam. So I increased the light a bit. I think that could be why. And could be as you mentioned. Torch different regions…

 

[Nathan Nguyen]

Give it a week, if it gets worse, move it or the new torches out of reach.

Thank you!

 

[marcosnano]

- Elevated salinity (1.025-1.026)

What is the best salinity for torches?

 

[vetteguy53081]

What is the best salinity for torches?

1.025-1.026

 

[marcosnano]

1.025-1.026

Thanks @vetteguy53081 , you are always helpful.

What about alkanity for torches?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks @vetteguy53081 , you are always helpful.

What about alkanity for torches?

8.5 - 9.5