Holy Grail Hammer

The Holy Grail Hammer Coral is one of the most sought-after LPS (large-polyp stony) corals, renowned for its ultra-bright gold, neon green, and blue-tipped tentacles that create a stunning, glowing effect under reef lighting. This high-end hammer coral stands out due to its intense fluorescence, thick tentacles, and graceful movement in the water. Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Holy Grail Hammer is a moderate grower and requires stable water conditions to maintain its vibrant coloration.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons, but thrives in 50+ gallons for stability and space.
• Temperament: Moderate to aggressive – extends long sweeper tentacles at night, so keep at least 3-5 inches of space from neighboring corals.
• Lighting: Moderate (PAR 100-200); excessive light can cause bleaching, while too little can result in dull colors.
• Flow: Moderate – prefers gentle, indirect flow to allow natural swaying motion without damaging its fleshy polyps.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on lower to mid rockwork or the sandbed, ensuring room for expansion.
  • Avoid high-flow areas, as excessive water movement can prevent proper polyp extension.
• Feeding:
  • Carnivorous – benefits from target feeding 1-2 times per week with:
    • Mysis shrimp
    • Brine shrimp
    • Reef-specific coral foods (powdered or liquid)
  • Gains additional nutrients from photosynthesis via its zooxanthellae.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.03-0.07 ppm) – excess nutrients can cause algae overgrowth, while too little may slow growth.

Compatibility:

• Aggressive, best kept away from delicate or slow-growing corals.
• Safe with other Euphyllia corals (Hammers, Torches, Frogspawns), but ensure enough space to prevent tentacle warfare.
• Avoid placement near highly aggressive corals like Galaxea, Hydnophora, or Acropora colonies.

Special Considerations:

• Fragging: Can be fragged by cutting between its branching heads, making propagation relatively easy.
• Flowing Movement: The longer, thicker tentacles provide a mesmerizing motion, adding dynamic beauty to reef tanks.
• Color Enhancement: Actinic blue lighting (450-470nm spectrum) enhances the gold and neon green fluorescence for a brilliant glow.

Summary:

The Holy Grail Hammer Coral is a high-end, rare, and visually stunning LPS coral, perfect for adding movement and intense, glowing coloration to reef aquariums. With stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and careful placement, it will thrive and become a true centerpiece coral in any reef tank.