The Branching Hammer Coral (Euphyllia parancora) is a beautiful and popular LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral found in marine aquariums. Its long, flowing tentacles resemble hammers or blades, giving it its name. Here's a comprehensive care guide for the Branching Hammer Coral:
Lighting
Intensity: Moderate to high lighting is preferred. They do well under T5, metal halide, or LED lighting systems. Too much light, especially directly from high-intensity LED or halides, can cause bleaching, so it’s important to find the right balance.
Type of Light: This coral benefits from a full-spectrum light that mimics natural sunlight. A good balance of blue and white light is ideal.
Position: Place it towards the middle or lower part of your aquarium, depending on the light intensity. In tanks with strong lighting, keep it in shaded areas to avoid stress.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C). Stable temperatures are critical for this coral’s health.
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025 specific gravity is ideal.
pH: Maintain a pH between 8.1 and 8.4 for optimal growth.
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH is the target range.
Calcium: 400-450 ppm.
Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm.
Nitrates: Keep below 10 ppm, as high nitrates can harm the coral.
Phosphates: Maintain low phosphate levels, ideally under 0.03 ppm, to prevent algae growth.
Water Flow
Flow Type: Medium to low flow is ideal. Hammer corals prefer gentle, random water movement as opposed to direct, strong flow. Too much current can cause the coral to retract or get damaged, while insufficient flow can lead to poor health and stagnation.
Positioning: Keep the coral in an area where the water gently flows past it, but not directly in the path of strong currents.
Care Guide
Placement: As mentioned, place the branching hammer coral in a location with moderate to high lighting, but not direct, intense light. This will help its tentacles stay extended and vibrant.
Feeding: While they get most of their nutrients from photosynthesis, feeding them small, meaty foods (like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or zooplankton) can help encourage growth and improve coloration.
Acrylic Caution: Avoid placing it too close to other corals, especially stinging or aggressive ones, as hammer corals can extend their stinging tentacles and damage neighboring corals.
Propagation: Branching hammer corals can be propagated by fragging. Use a bone cutter or coral saw to cut through the branches, making sure each frag has a healthy piece of tissue attached to it. Place frags in an area with low flow until they heal and reattach.
General Tips:
Ensure stable water quality. Small fluctuations in temperature, salinity, or pH can stress the coral.
Regular water changes (10-20% every 2-4 weeks) help maintain water quality.
Check for pests like flatworms, nudibranchs, or red bugs, which can harm the coral.
Troubleshooting
Coral is not extending its tentacles: Likely due to excessive light, poor water flow, or low water quality. Check all parameters and make sure it's not in direct current or overly bright lighting.
Coral tissue recession: This can be a sign of poor water quality or pests. Check for changes in water parameters or signs of infection.
With the right environment and consistent care, branching hammer corals can thrive, providing a stunning, colorful addition to your reef tank!