Hammer coral reef compatibility check
Euphyllia/Fimbriaphyllia spp.
Hammer coral (Euphyllia/Fimbriaphyllia spp.) is an intermediate-level LPS coral that needs at least 20 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; needs space for sweeper tentacles. Plan moderate light and moderate flow (placement: middle reef with room around polyps). Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 2 months old.
Classic movement LPS that wants moderate light, indirect flow, and elbow room.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 20+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 20 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 2+ months old.
- ✕ Needs space for sweeper tentacles.
Compatibility warnings
- Needs space for sweeper tentacles.
- Avoid direct blasting flow.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 20 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 2 months of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Placement should be validated against measured PAR, turbulent flow, allelopathy/stinging distance, and future colony growth.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 20 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Semi Aggressive
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- Varies
- Placement
- middle reef with room around polyps
- Diet
- Photosynthetic; accepts occasional meaty coral foods.
- Flow
- Moderate
- Light
- Moderate
- Bioload
- 0.5
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Acan coral
Same 20-gallon floor, beginner care.
- Blastomussa coral
Same 20-gallon floor, beginner care, low light.
- Bubble coral
Same 20-gallon floor, beginner care.
- Candy cane coral
Same 20-gallon floor, beginner care.
Equipment that fits
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED White
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- Nicrew HyperReef 100 Gen 2 LED Reef Light
Lists about 200 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- Red Sea ReefLED 90
Lists about 220 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does hammer coral need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 20 gallons, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives.
Is hammer coral reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Needs space for sweeper tentacles; Avoid direct blasting flow.
Is hammer coral good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable for 2+ months.
How much light and flow does hammer coral need?
ReefCrafter lists a moderate light need and moderate flow (placement: middle reef with room around polyps). In planner terms that starts around 100 PAR.