Who Gives A Fish Forums

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.

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.

dainty wrote: ↑Fri Apr 25, 2025 2:25 am 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.