So you’ve heard of or seen a Hellfire Torch Coral, and you’re thinking of caring for one? Despite its complicated look, you’ll likely be surprised once you learn more about this type of coral.
So, what should you know about the Hellfire Torch Coral? Is it complicated to maintain? And do you need a special tank?
This article will provide you with the solutions to these questions and more.
Overview
The Hellfire Torch Coral is typically a native of Indonesia. It belongs to the family of torch corals and is also a color morph.
Because of its uniqueness, it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite among collectors and hobbyists. Like other torch corals in Indonesia, it develops in a branching pattern and has long, draping tentacles.
The colors of the Hellfire Torch are what distinguish it from other varieties. Its tentacles are mostly gold and partially purple.
And there is a green stripe around each tentacle’s base. It’s often regarded as among the most vivid torch corals due to its tentacles’ pink or purple tips.
Being colonial corals, they expand by dividing, with one head gradually separating into two. They develop stony skeletons composed of sodium bicarbonate, like all other LPS corals.
This coral is typically found in high-flow environments between 6 and 10 meters in water.
It is located in shallower waters than the vast majority of other species of torch corals. They are very prevalent on the slopes of reefs.
They are found naturally in the waters of Indonesia, although specimens of them can also be obtained by aquaculture on occasion.
When placing the torch coral in a home aquarium, you have several options to choose from. They are often put on the main rockwork, though they might be set up on a frag disc or other piece of rock on the sandbed.
Because they pack such a potent sting, it’s best to give them ample room. A “torch garden” is something that many hobbyists create by putting together a bunch of colored torch corals.
Caring For A Hellfire Torch Coral
The upkeep required for these torch corals is minimal.
The Hellfire Torch won’t need much maintenance if the tank is in reasonably good shape. Most of the nutrients that torch corals need are found in the water column, despite being capable of catching food on their own.
You also don’t want to clean a tank that is excessively clean. The Hellfire Torch Coral will need an ample supply of phosphates and nitrates to keep its vibrant colors.
However, it is possible to provide them with an excessive amount of such nutrients. Nitrate levels shouldn’t exceed 40 parts per million, while phosphate levels shouldn’t exceed 0.1 parts per million.
For their skeleton to continue to develop, they will also need to maintain consistent amounts of:
- 1250-1350 PPM of Magnesium
- 350-450 PPM of Calcium
- Alkalinity of 8-12 dKH
Maintaining these levels constantly and consistently should be your top priority.
Lighting
Hellfire Torch Coral is not a fan of bright lights, and it is advisable to place them in locations where there is a moderate amount of light or slightly less than a moderate amount of light.
When there is an excess of light, the polyps will shrink to protect themselves from the intensity of the brightness. Your coral’s growth may be stunted as a result of this.
Water Temperature
The temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit is considered the sweet spot for Hellfire Torch Coral. Anywhere above or below can threaten the health of your coral.
Diet
Hellfire Torch Coral is technically a species capable of sustaining itself and not needing to be fed.
They produce sugar from light through a process known as photosynthesis, which also means that other species can be found living within their tissues. These creatures, referred to as zooxanthellae, live symbiotically inside the torch coral and provide nourishment.
However, torch corals are carnivorous as well, and they will develop more rapidly or flourish better if they have a diet primarily of meat to meet their nutritional needs.
The Hellfire Torch Coral will devour minute pieces of fish, meat, microplankton, small shrimp, and flesh from other animals.
They will consume any cut of meat that is of adequate size and placed in front of them.
also read: Pink Streaked Wrasse – Care, Diet, Breeding & More!
Tank Placement
The ideal environment for torch corals has both moderate flow and lighting. If the current is excessively strong, coral tentacles might be damaged.
However, if the current is too weak, the Hellfire Torch Coral will be unable to move around and catch food.
The polyps waving as if in the soft breeze and fully extended is a good sign that the coral is in the right environment. If you see it bending or becoming rigid, that’s a good indicator that the current may be too strong.
If you decide to feed the Hellfire Torch Coral, you should do it not more than once a week. This will give them enough time to digest the food you provide.
Regarding where to position concerning lighting, the optimal location is typically between the tank’s center and bottom areas.
They would be in a region with a decent amount of light, but they would not be directly under the most powerful sources.
It’s important to remember that torch corals are an aggressive species that will lash out at anything that enters their territory and causes them stress. Give them lots of space, and ensure they aren’t cramped in with other corals in the tank.
However, other corals that belong to the same family as torch corals, such as frogspawn and hammer corals, will coexist peacefully with Hellfire Torch Coral and can be grown successfully alongside them.
Conclusion
The Hellfire Torch Coral is popular, especially for beginners, because it doesn’t require complicated maintenance and offers an eye-capturing colorful beauty.
While this article may not be comprehensive, it should give you enough basics about Hellfire Torch Coral and help point you in the right direction.
[…] also read: Hellfire Torch Coral […]