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 array of corals from different genera such as Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and Lithophyllon, creating a varied and visually striking collection that can include the Hollywood Stunner Chalice, known for its bright green base and neon green eyes.
Demands and Hardiness
Chalice corals require moderate lighting, around 100 PAR, for optimal coloration and health, with some tolerance for more intense lighting but generally not thriving under extremely high levels exceeding 400 PAR. These corals display impressive fluorescence, particularly under actinic LED lighting, and benefit from stable lighting conditions to maintain their vibrant colors.
Moderate water flow is recommended to prevent detritus buildup on colonies, which can lead to dead spots, while excessively strong flow poses a risk of toppling the chalice due to its sail-like structure. These corals are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, relying heavily on zooxanthellae products, and consume a variety of food types despite minimal polyp extension.
Lighting
The ideal lighting for Chalice Corals is moderate, with around 100 PAR recommended for vibrant coloration and overall health. While they can tolerate more intense lighting to some extent, extremely high light levels over 400 PAR may negatively impact their well-being. The impressive fluorescence of Chalice corals is best appreciated under actinic LED lighting, with seasonal variations affecting their appearance, typically appearing more muted in intense summer light but returning to attractive coloration in stable home reef aquariums.
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is essential for Chalice Corals, as low flow can lead to detritus accumulation on colonies, creating dead spots, while excessive flow may cause the coral to tip over due to its sail-like structure that catches water currents. Maintaining an optimal flow rate ensures the health and stability of these corals within the aquarium environment.
Feeding
Chalice corals are aggressive feeders, consuming various food sources such as Mysis Shrimp, small critters, and pellets ranging from 6 to 13mm in size. Despite minimal polyp extension, time-lapse videos reveal their substantial food intake, emphasizing the importance of providing a diverse diet to sustain their nutritional needs and promote their well-being.
Propagation
Chalice corals, being diverse and suitable for aquaculture, have been successfully propagated in captivity through methods such as cutting colonies into large sections and allowing them to heal before further fragmentation into frag-sized pieces. Propagation outcomes may vary among different varieties of Chalice corals, emphasizing the significance of proper handling techniques to enhance survival rates and contribute to the sustainable growth of these corals in reef aquariums.
Localization & Habitat
Chalice Corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, with habitats spanning across various islands including Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Their natural environment influences their growth patterns, colors, and overall thriving conditions, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of these corals within their native ecosystems.