can torch corals touch hammer corals?

[dorvin]

I've got a Torch and Hammer in my 40-gallon tank, about 6 inches apart. They've been fine for months, but today I noticed the Torch's tentacles stretching toward the Hammer. Is this gonna cause issues? My water params are stable, 78°F, 1.025 salinity, and I run a protein skimmer weekly.

[dainty]

Torches and Hammers can sting each other if they touch. I'd keep them separated by at least 6 inches, maybe more if your flow is strong. What's your lighting setup? High PAR can make them more aggressive. My 50-gallon has two Radion XR15s, and I've seen my Torch extend further under blues.

[wave_dive]

Torches and Hammers can sting each other if they touch. I'd keep them separated by at least 6 inches, maybe more if your flow is strong. What's your lighting setup? High PAR can make them more aggressive. My 50-gallon has two Radion XR15s, and I've seen my Torch extend further under blues.

Yep, same here. My Torch got pissy and fried a Duncan when they brushed. Moved it to the other side of the tank, problem solved. Flow's a big deal too, my MP40 keeps everything chill.

[angler_22]

I've had mine touch briefly with no drama, but it's sketchy. Depends on the individual coral's mood, honestly. My Hammer's chill, but my Torch is a diva. If you see bleaching or retraction, cut the distance. What's your nitrate level? Mine sits around 5 ppm, and they're less aggressive when it's stable.

[fizzle]

Mine are close in a 30-gallon, no issues yet. But I feed them mysis twice a week, so maybe they're too full to fight. You running carbon? Might help if they start throwing hands. My filter's a Fluval 307, and I swap the media monthly.

[dorvin]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll shift the Torch a bit farther and keep an eye on them. My nitrates are at 3 ppm, and I've got dual AI Primes running at 60% blues. Appreciate the tips!

[timbrs]

My buddy's tank had a Torch melt a Hammer overnight. Not worth the risk, man. Just scoot it over. You got space on the sandbed? Less flow down there, might keep 'em calm. I run a Nero 5 on mine, medium flow at the top.

[flambo]

Agree with timbrs. Better safe than sorry. My 75-gallon's got a Torch on the left rockwork and Hammers on the right, zero contact. I dose Red Sea AB+ weekly, and they've never stretched more than 4 inches. What salt mix are you using? I swear by Tropic Marin.

[tigercub]

Had a similar scare last month. Moved the Torch higher up the rock, problem gone. My phosphates were creeping up, though. You testing for PO4? My Salifert kit showed 0.03 ppm after I cut back on feeding.

[Bobbycore]

My LFS guy said they'll usually avoid each other if the flow's right. But he also sells coral, so grain of salt. I keep mine 8 inches apart in a 20-gallon nano, no drama. Running a Kessil A160, 10 hours a day.