More info
Datasheet
| Care Description | Chalice Corals are a broad collection of corals that are loosely jumbled together. Several different genera of corals are represented ranging from Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and even Lithophyllon. As such, care requirements are going to be generalized more than other corals because these are very different corals that all get lumped in together. Please see below for more care tips for Chalice Corals. |
| Water Flow | Moderate |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Chalice Corals encompass a diverse collection of corals from various genera like Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon. These corals exhibit a range of colors and textures, making them a visually appealing addition to reef aquariums.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals require moderate lighting of around 100 PAR for optimal coloration and health, although they may tolerate more intense light. Extremely high light levels over 400 PAR can be detrimental, potentially causing color fading. These corals thrive best in stable reef aquarium environments and are known for their impressive fluorescence. Moderately strong water movement is recommended to prevent detritus buildup and potential flipping of colonies due to the sail-like shape.
Lighting
For Chalice Corals, a moderate lighting intensity of around 100 PAR is suggested to maintain vivid colors and overall well-being. Higher light levels can be tolerated, but excessively intense light may lead to color loss. Chalices exhibit striking fluorescence, especially under actinic LED lighting, showcasing their beauty in reef tanks.
Water Flow
Moderate water flow is crucial for Chalice Corals, preventing detritus accumulation that can create dead spots on colonies. Excessive flow should be avoided to prevent the corals from toppling over due to their unique colony shapes acting as sails in strong currents.
Feeding
Chalice corals heavily rely on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but are surprisingly aggressive eaters. They consume various foods such as Mysis Shrimp, small critters, and pellets ranging from 6 to 13mm. Although they do not exhibit pronounced polyp extension, time-lapse videos reveal their substantial food consumption, making them suitable for a diverse diet in a well-maintained aquarium.
Propagation
Chalice corals have been successfully propagated in captivity through methods like cutting colonies into large sections and allowing them to heal before further fragmenting them into smaller pieces. This approach enhances survival rates, making Chalices a promising candidate for aquaculture.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice Corals are commonly found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including locations such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitats in these areas contribute to their adaptability to reef tank conditions and make them a popular choice among aquarists.