Cotton Candy Torch Coral

Cotton Candy Torch Coral (Euphyllia glabrescens) prefers stable, clean water and moderate light and flow. Target PAR around 100–200 with gradual light acclimation; start on the sandbed and move to low–mid positions over 1–2 weeks. Provide indirect, oscillating flow strong enough to gently sway tentacles and keep debris from settling, but not so strong that tissue pulls from the skeleton. Feed 1–3 times weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, chopped shrimp) or coral foods; spot-feed with pumps off for 10–15 minutes. Maintain temperature 76–79°F (24.5–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH (stable), calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm. Use reliable test kits and a refractometer; avoid rapid swings, especially in alkalinity.Place on a stable plug or isolated rock in low–mid tank areas with 6–10 inches of space from other corals; torches have long, stinging sweepers and can harm neighbors, including other Euphyllia. Handle by the plug, never the flesh. Dip and quarantine to exclude pests and pathogens. For acclimation, drip 30–60 minutes, dim lights the first week. Signs of stress: bleaching (too much light or sudden change)—lower light, increase feeding; recession or brown jelly—improve flow, siphon affected tissue, perform iodine dip, and stabilize parameters. Prevent tissue damage by avoiding direct jets and high, chaotic flow. Regularly inspect for detritus buildup, polyp retraction, and skeleton exposure to catch issues early.