Hammer Coral

I target fed my branching hammer last week but hestill has a few sweeper tentacles sticking out. Are the sweeper tentacle usually only out due to hunger or just trying to sting another nearby coral. The closest coral is 3 inches away.
Adam

 

I wouldn't say that it is because it is hungry. You don't have to target feed them with a good amount of light. It doesn't hurt to target feed, it will make them grow faster.

 

Would the longer tentacles be from trying to reach and sting another coral? I see about 3 tentacles that are an extra 3-4 inches longer swaying around.
Adam

 

It could be. I've always heard that that corals should be placed at least 6" away because of those sweepers.

 

Corals do use sweepers to establish their territory. If you have enough light they won't be hungry. If you don't have enough light, no amount of target feeding will save 'em. They don't stick out their sweepers for hunger anyway. Target feeding just makes them grow slightly/significantly faster (depending on who you ask). No worries .

 

my galaxy and torch coral always have sweeper tenicals out at different parts of the day, sometimes my galaxy will have up to 4" tenicals out. its just what they do. (also a good sign that it is healthy) but on a side note: can be a pain because you don't want the sweepers to hit other corals.