Euphyllia is one of the most popular LPS (large polyp stony) coral genera in the reef hobby. Common species: Euphyllia ancora (hammer coral), E. paradivisa (frogspawn), E. glabrescens (torch coral), E. paraancora (branching hammer), E. cristata (grape coral). Care difficulty: intermediate. Light: 100-250 PAR (LPS range). Flow: moderate, NOT direct - too much flow tears the fleshy tissue. Placement: 6-12 inches between Euphyllia pieces (sweeper tentacles extend at night and sting nearby coral). Feeding: target-feed Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy, or finely-blended frozen seafood 1-2x weekly. Common issues: brown jelly disease (cut + dip immediately if seen), parameter swings cause polyp retraction, alk swings >0.5 dKH/24h trigger tissue recession. Browse Euphyllia species library for full breakdown by species.
The full Q&A library answers the most-searched aquarium questions. Browse calculators and disease database for related help.
Whatever specific topic brought you here, four fundamentals govern long-term aquarium success: water quality, parameter stability, biological filtration, and species-appropriate husbandry. Skip any one and the others struggle to compensate.
Water quality: ammonia + nitrite at zero, nitrate under 30 ppm freshwater + 10 ppm reef. Test weekly with API or Salifert kits. Use our water parameter checker to score your readings against your tank type.
Parameter stability: stable wrong parameters beat fluctuating ideal parameters. Most fish tolerate a wide pH range if it's stable. Sudden swings of 0.4+ pH or 5+°F kill fish faster than chronic suboptimal values. Use temperature controllers (Inkbird) + automated dosing for consistency.
Biological filtration: the bacterial colony on your filter media + rock + substrate is the engine. Never replace all media at once. Use our filter turnover calculator to size correctly.
Species-appropriate husbandry: research adult size, territoriality, diet, and tankmate compatibility before purchase. Use our tank stocking calculator + compatibility guides.
How long does an aquarium take to set up? 4-6 weeks for full cycling + first stocking. Use our cycle ETA calculator + how long does cycling take.
What's the best aquarium for beginners? 20-gallon long. Big enough for parameter stability, small enough for budget + space. See beginner picks.
How often should I do water changes? 25-30% weekly. See water change frequency Q&A + water change calculator.
Why does my fish keep dying? 5 leading causes: uncycled tank, wrong species pairings, no quarantine, undersized tank, neglected water-change schedule. See full diagnosis.
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