Lexi Webster
Australian Gold Torches are a type of coral that comes from the Indo-Pacific oceans around Australia. They are an endangered species and are not recommended for first-time coral keepers. They are usually harvested from river mouths, where the water conditions are turbulent and brackish. As such, they require a perfect and mineral-rich water environment to survive and thrive. They also need moderate to strong water flow and moderate lighting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water flow | Moderate to strong flow of water, but not a direct blast |
| Water environment | Perfect and mineral-rich |
| Water parameters | Regular testing is required |
| Food | Meaty mix of fish, brine shrimp, Mysis, and other plankton |
| Lighting | Moderate but rich blue LED lighting between 150 to 200 watts |
| Placement | Away from sand bed |
| Health issues | Brown jelly disease, bacterial infections, bubble algae, Aiptasia anemone |
| Breeding | Can live in perpetuity due to the way they spawn and reproduce |
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What You'll Learn
- Water flow: A moderate to strong flow is required, but not a direct blast
- Lighting: Moderate, rich blue LED lighting is best. Avoid strong lights
- Food: Feed a meaty mix of food with a feeding filter or baster-like tool
- Health: Look out for infections, brown jelly disease, and pests like bubble algae and aiptasia anemones
- Experience: Only experienced aquarists should handle them
Water flow: A moderate to strong flow is required, but not a direct blast
Water flow is one of the most important factors when it comes to keeping Australian Gold Torch corals healthy. These corals require a moderate to strong flow of water to thrive, but not a direct blast. A moderate flow will ensure they get enough nutrients from the water and allow for the gentle movement of their sweeper tentacles.
In their natural habitat, Australian Gold Torches are often exposed to turbulent water conditions, with varying degrees of brackishness and sedimentation. As such, they can handle a slightly stronger flow than other coral species. However, if the water flow is too fast, they may retract their polyps, which are prone to tearing, and if the flow is too slow, they become more susceptible to infections and the growth of harmful algae.
To replicate the natural environment of Australian Gold Torches, it is recommended to provide a moderate to strong flow of water, without sudden changes in direction or speed. This can be achieved through careful placement of pumps or powerheads within the aquarium, ensuring that the water flow is not directly targeted at the corals.
Additionally, it is important to note that the flow rate may need to be adjusted based on the specific needs of your Australian Gold Torch. Some individuals may prefer a slightly higher or lower flow rate, so it is advisable to observe their response and make adjustments accordingly.
By providing the optimal water flow conditions, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your Australian Gold Torch coral.
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Lighting: Moderate, rich blue LED lighting is best. Avoid strong lights
Lighting plays a crucial role in the health and growth of Australian Gold Torch corals. These corals require moderate lighting, specifically rich blue LED lighting between 150 to 200 watts. This is because they are naturally found in the deeper and more turbid parts of the ocean, so they should not be exposed to strong or full bright light.
The recommended PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) range for Australian Gold Torches is between 150 and 250. This measures the amount of light that penetrates the aquarium water, which is essential for these photosynthetic corals.
It is important to note that while Australian Gold Torches love to emphasise their bright colours under the right LED lighting, too much light can damage their delicate tissues and stunt their growth. Therefore, alternative lighting options such as metal halide lighting are not recommended.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Australian Gold Torches are sensitive to changes in their environment. They are typically harvested from river mouths, where they are exposed to turbulent and brackish water conditions. As a result, replicating their natural habitat in a saltwater reef tank at home can be challenging, and even minor imbalances in water parameters can lead to unexpected deaths.
In summary, providing the right lighting conditions is critical for the health and growth of Australian Gold Torch corals. Moderate, rich blue LED lighting is recommended, while strong lights should be avoided.
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Food: Feed a meaty mix of food with a feeding filter or baster-like tool
Australian Gold Torches are a type of coral that requires specific care. They are not recommended for first-time coral keepers, as they are an endangered species and can be difficult to care for. They are usually harvested from river mouths, where the water conditions are turbulent and brackish, and it is challenging to replicate these conditions in a home saltwater reef tank.
Regarding their diet, Australian Gold Torches do not have immediate food requirements and can rely on photosynthesis. However, it is recommended to feed them a meaty mix of food using a feeding filter or baster-like tool. This can include fish, brine shrimp, Mysis, and other plankton, which they consume through their tentacles.
- Food Type: Offer a variety of meaty foods such as fish, brine shrimp, Mysis, and plankton. These foods provide the necessary nutrients for the coral's health and growth.
- Feeding Tool: Use a feeding filter or a baster-like tool to distribute the food evenly and ensure that the coral receives an adequate amount.
- Feeding Schedule: While Australian Gold Torches can survive on photosynthesis alone, it is beneficial to feed them regularly to promote growth and maintain their health. Aim for a consistent feeding schedule, such as once or twice a week, depending on the coral's needs and activity level.
- Targeted Feeding: Some Australian Gold Torches may respond better to targeted feeding. This involves placing the food directly near the coral or its tentacles. This method ensures that the coral receives the necessary nutrients and can also stimulate its natural feeding behaviour.
- Water Flow: Maintain a moderate to strong water flow in the tank to ensure proper circulation and nutrient distribution. Australian Gold Torches benefit from a moderate flow, allowing gentle movement of their sweeper tentacles. However, avoid sudden changes in water flow, as this can stress the coral.
- Lighting: Provide moderate but rich blue LED lighting between 150 to 200 watts. Australian Gold Torches are naturally found in deeper, more turbid parts of the ocean, so they prefer lower light conditions. Avoid bright, direct light, as it can damage their tissues and stunt their growth.
- Water Quality: Regularly test and maintain the water parameters, especially for LPS corals like Australian Gold Torches. Use recommended test kits to ensure that factors such as pH, temperature, and nutrient levels are within the optimal range for coral health.
- Tank Conditions: Australian Gold Torches thrive in a mature and well-established saltwater tank. Ensure that the tank is free from pests and anemones, such as bubble algae and Aiptasia, which can harm the coral. Create an environment that mimics their natural habitat in the Indo-Pacific oceans around Australia, with moderate water flow and lower lighting conditions.
- Coral Interaction: Australian Gold Torches may stretch out at night if they are competing with nearby corals of a different species. If they frequently stretch out at night or appear translucent, it could indicate insufficient light during the day.
- Experience: As Australian Gold Torches are sensitive and have specific requirements, it is advisable to gain experience with saltwater tanks and coral keeping before introducing them to your aquarium.
By following these instructions and considerations, you can effectively feed and care for Australian Gold Torches, providing them with the necessary nutrients and optimal conditions for their health, growth, and long-term survival.
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Health: Look out for infections, brown jelly disease, and pests like bubble algae and aiptasia anemones
Health
Look out for infections, brown jelly disease, and pests like bubble algae and aiptasia anemones.
Infections can occur when coral is wounded, so it is important to prevent injuries and treat wounds when they occur. Modern strategies for treating human wounds, such as antiseptic bilayer films, can be adapted to treat coral wounds and prevent infections.
Brown jelly disease is a highly lethal infection that can spread rapidly through your tank, so act quickly if you suspect any of your corals are infected. Remove the affected coral immediately and place it in a separate container. Rinse the coral vigorously with a turkey baster to remove the jelly, discard the contaminated water, and repeat several times. Prepare a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) to 20 parts tank water and place the infected coral in this solution. Note that this treatment has only been tested on Duncans, Candy Canes, Euphyllia, and leathers.
To prevent bubble algae from overrunning your tank, you can try manual removal or chemical treatments. Emerald crabs can be introduced to eat the algae, or you can use tools like rubber bands wrapped around a stainless steel straw to create a gasket and then scrape and suck out the algae.
Aiptasia anemones are pests that can enter your tank by hitchhiking inside live rocks or along the bottom of a frag plug of new coral. They can quickly overtake the surface of rocks and their stinging tentacles can harm your coral. To get rid of Aiptasia anemones, you can introduce natural predators like peppermint shrimp, copperband butterflyfish, or Berghia nudibranch into your tank. Alternatively, you can use chemical treatments like Aiptasia-X, which is specifically designed to eradicate this pest without damaging sensitive coral.
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Experience: Only experienced aquarists should handle them
The Australian Gold Torch is a coral with specific care requirements. It is an endangered species, and only experienced aquarists should handle them. They are not suited to first-time keepers.
The Australian Gold Torch is a challenging coral to care for, and they are often collected from turbulent waters with brackish conditions. They are usually harvested from river mouths, exposing them to different sediments and organisms. This makes it difficult to replicate their natural environment in a saltwater tank at home.
Australian Gold Torches require a perfect and mineral-rich water environment to survive and thrive. They are sensitive to changes in their environment and can get sick or die prematurely due to minor imbalances in water parameters. They require moderate but rich blue LED lighting, as they are naturally found in deeper waters. A moderate to strong flow of water is also necessary, as they can suffer from brown jelly disease if the flow is insufficient.
Additionally, Australian Gold Torches are susceptible to various pests and infections. Bubble algae, for example, can suffocate the coral, and aiptasia anemones can easily reproduce and are extremely difficult to remove. Australian Gold Torches can also contract bacterial infections, especially if any of the polyps rip.
Due to the specific and challenging care requirements of the Australian Gold Torch, it is essential that only experienced aquarists attempt to handle them.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian Gold Torches are not recommended for beginners as they require a perfect and mineral-rich water environment to survive. They are also susceptible to various pests and infections.
A moderate to strong flow of water is ideal for Australian Gold Torches. They benefit from a moderate water flow with no sudden changes, but they do better with a slightly more powerful flow than other Euphyllia species.
Australian Gold Torches require moderate but rich blue LED lighting between 150 to 200 watts. They are naturally found in deeper waters, so they shouldn't be exposed to full, bright light.
