LPS corals
beginnerHammer coral
Euphyllia ancora
Quick reference
Min tank size
20 US gal
20 gal — same envelope as frogspawn. Top-3 most-recommended starter LPS.
PAR
50–150 µmol/m²/s
Flow
medium
Placement
Mid-tank rockwork. Allow space — colony expands as it grows.
Temperature
76–80 °F
Salinity
1.025–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–10 dKH
Calcium
420–440 ppm
Magnesium
1,300–1,400 ppm
Feeding
Photosynthetic. Optional weekly spot-feed.
Compatibility
Sting range 6 inches. Touch-compatible with frogspawn and torches from same parent colony only.
What kills it
Alkalinity swings. Brown jelly. Galaxea contact (Galaxea sweeper tentacles reach 6 inches and kill hammers on contact).
Common mistakes
- •Buying a wall hammer thinking it's branching — care differs slightly (wall hammers are more sensitive).
- •Placing too close to other corals — measure 6 inches in all directions.
Equipment & food for this species
LPS appreciate weekly target-feeding. CoralRx dip on new frags catches brown jelly and bristleworm hitchhikers.
CoralRx Pro coral dip
Iodine-based dip. Kills AEFW, red bugs, flatworms.
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Polyplab Reef Roids coral food
Powder coral food. LPS / chalice / Goniopora staple.
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Salifert KH/Alkalinity test kit
The hobbyist standard for alkalinity testing.
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Julian's Thing target feeder
Best target feeder for coral spot-feeding.
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