Torch sadness

[demasoni]

Why are my torches receding and not looking happy? I've worked at getting magnesium up to ~1400 and all my other measurements are in line (ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates)

 

[officialreefbros]

Could be a lot of different reasons: flow, pests, light, subjective nature of "in line" parameters, any fast changes in parameters.

 

[demasoni]

My zoas and gsp seem happy. I'm.just disappointed that the softies are not thriving

 

[demasoni]

Why are my torches receding and not looking happy? I've worked at getting magnesium up to ~1400 and all my other measurements are in line (ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates)

Could be a lot of different reasons: flow, pests, light, subjective nature of "in line" parameters, any fast changes in parameters.

I appreciate that...but.it.seems.that there is something I'm missing

 

[gkaminski]

Torch corals are notoriously picky and the most common missing piece when people say "parameters are in line" is actually alkalinity and calcium - two of the most critical values for LPS like torches. Can you share your exact alk (dKH) and Ca readings? Those are often the culprits when softies like zoas/GSP are fine but LPS are struggling.

A few things worth investigating:

1. Alkalinity swings - even small daily swings in alk (1-2 dKH) can cause torches to retract and recession. They are far more sensitive to this than softies. Ideally you want alk stable at 8-9 dKH.

2. Flow - torches prefer low to moderate, indirect flow. If they're getting hit by a powerhead directly they will stay retracted. Try reducing flow or repositioning them so current is gentle and indirect.

3. Pests - this is a big one that's easy to miss. Check carefully at night with a flashlight for Aeolid nudibranchs (tiny white/translucent slug-like creatures) or sundial snails near the base. These are specific torch/euphyllia predators and very hard to spot during the day.

4. Allelopathy - are the torches near any other corals? Leathers, toadstools, or even other euphyllia species touching them can cause stress. Torches need some space.

5. Lighting - what light are you running and at what intensity? Torches do well under moderate PAR (~75-150). Too much light can cause them to keep their tentacles retracted.

The fact that your Mg is at 1400 is actually a bit on the high side of the normal range (1200-1350). It won't cause direct harm but it's worth noting as you're adjusting chemistry.

Could you share more specifics on your tank - size, age, and which corals are nearby the torches?