Torch - it's flesh band is longer than its polyps: cause?

[RaymondL]

I've had this torch for over 8 months now....it's growing VERY slow, which I believe is the nature of torches if I'm not mistaken.

The polyps don't seem to be lengthening(growing), but instead it's more of the corals' base(flesh) that seem to be - the picture below on the left shows what I'm referring to.

Is my lighting maybe too low perhaps, or something else I should look at? This picture was taken with the lights that I have adjusted maxed out for the time of day. I don't want to risk going higher par unless I should?

I do notice that everything in the tank is growing slow...Ie. Acans, zoas, trumpet coral with exception of Duncans.

Any advise much appreciated. Thank you

 

[The_Paradox]

Not sure what you consider slow for your other corals, but that looks like a short tentacle torch. They do not get the long tentacles if that is the case. It looks healthy though.

Here is a photo of short tentacle next to a long tentacle. Sorry for quality the lights are ramping down.

 

[RaymondL]

The torch that I have is suppose to be a Blue Tipped Black Torch....I'm not sure if anyone has such to determine whether their polyps should be longer than what I have.

 

[Uncle99]

Everything growing slow reminds me of nutrients Being too low, or more likely, phosphate being too high.

 

[randomfishdude]

There is a such thing as a short tenticled torch. I own one.
If you don't alrety I'd recommend feeding it if you want it to grow faster. I feed mine once every day or 2 with mysis.
I get 1-2 new heads every month.
They look pretty healthy. How Is the flow on it? Along with pho4 and no3?

I have pho4 at .22 and no3 at 20.

 

[RaymondL]

There is a such thing as a short tenticled torch. I own one.
If you don't alrety I'd recommend feeding it if you want it to grow faster. I feed mine once every day or 2 with mysis.
I get 1-2 new heads every month.
They look pretty healthy. How Is the flow on it? Along with pho4 and no3?

I have pho4 at .22 and no3 at 20.

I feed corals only once every 2 weeks, so I'll switch to what you do and feed often. Flow is set to random current on the wavemaker, and have it enough to have the polyps randomly swaying.

Nitrates are now at 5ppm, and Phosphates at 0.04.....perhaps I might need to address these variables as well.

 

[randomfishdude]

I feed corals only once every 2 weeks, so I'll switch to what you do and feed often. Flow is set to random current on the wavemaker, and have it enough to have the polyps randomly swaying.

Nitrates are now at 5ppm, and Phosphates at 0.04.....perhaps I might need to address these variables as well.

If thoes 2 are stable that is really good.
I have my torches in low flow. The lower the flow the bigger the polyop/head will get.

Do you have any videos/ more pics?

 

[Ryebreadiest]

I feed corals only once every 2 weeks, so I'll switch to what you do and feed often. Flow is set to random current on the wavemaker, and have it enough to have the polyps randomly swaying.

Nitrates are now at 5ppm, and Phosphates at 0.04.....perhaps I might need to address these variables as well.

Those parameters are fine. I’ve seen torches look amazing at even lower and much higher. Right now mine are 3ppm nitrate and .15 phosphate and fine. Most zoas, certainly any of the more common/cheap ones, should be growing steadily. My guess is it’s something else.

 

[Tripod1404]

Aren’t short tentacle torches grape corals (Euphyllia cristata)? Which is a different species, as torches are Euphyllia glabrescens.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

A growing flesh band = a healthy torch. If it starts to significantly recede, then you may have a problem.

 

[randomfishdude]

Aren’t short tentacle torches grape corals (Euphyllia cristata)? Which is a different species, as torches are Euphyllia glabrescens.

I belive so.

 

[Dburr1014]

Looks healthy, as eeyore mentioned, flesh is good. I would also try lowering the flow to see how it reacts. If no differance, it is what it is.