Introduction to Chalice Corals
Chalice corals are a striking group of LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals prized for their vivid colors and intricate patterns. Species such as Echinophyllia and Oxypora are known for their encrusting or plating growth forms, which add a unique texture to reef aquariums. Their vibrant shades of pink, orange, green, and purple, often highlighted with contrasting “eyes” and ridges, make them a favorite among collectors.
While Chalice corals require consistent care and stable conditions, their stunning appearance and versatility in placement make them a rewarding choice for reef keepers ready to meet their needs.
Location
Chalice corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including reef systems in Australia, Indonesia, and Fiji. They are commonly found on reef slopes and ledges where water movement is moderate, and light is diffused. These areas provide a sheltered environment, allowing Chalice corals to thrive and develop their vibrant colors.
In their natural habitat, Chalice corals contribute to the complexity of the reef structure, creating spaces for various marine life to flourish. Their encrusting and plating growth forms help stabilize reef surfaces and add diversity to the ecosystem.
Water Chemistry
Chalice corals require stable and consistent water parameters to thrive. Maintaining the following conditions will support their health and vibrant coloration:
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
- Nitrates: 5-15 ppm
- Phosphates: <0.10 ppm
- Temperature: 75-80°F
Chalice corals are sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry, so stability is key. Regular testing and dosing will help maintain the ideal conditions for their growth. Proper salinity (1.024-1.026) and pH levels (8.1-8.4) are essential for skeletal development and overall health.
Lighting
Chalice corals thrive under low to moderate lighting, typically within a PAR range of 50-150. Providing gentle, indirect light helps maintain their vibrant coloration and prevents bleaching or stress. Overly intense lighting can cause tissue damage or color fading, so placement in shaded or lower-light areas of the tank is often ideal.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use a combination of Ecotech Marine Radions and metal halides to create balanced lighting that highlights the vivid patterns and hues of Chalice corals. Gradual acclimation to new lighting environments is essential to avoid shocking the coral and to ensure a smooth transition.
Water Flow
Chalice corals prefer gentle to moderate, indirect water flow, mimicking the calmer conditions of reef slopes where they are commonly found. Proper flow helps remove waste and deliver nutrients without causing damage to their delicate tissue. They thrive in the lower parts of the tank, away from strong, torrential currents, which can lead to tissue recession or stress.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we use a combination of Ecotech Marine MP’s, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse, and Sicce XStream wave makers to create dynamic, customizable flow patterns. This approach ensures that Chalice corals receive the ideal water movement to support their health and vibrant growth.
What We Feed
Chalice corals primarily rely on their symbiotic zooxanthellae for energy, but supplemental feeding enhances their growth and coloration. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we feed our Chalice corals a mix of fine-particle foods, such as our Royal Flush blend, which includes:
- Tisochrysis
- Rhodomonas
- Tetraselmis
In addition to the Royal Flush blend, we also feed Reef Roids and Benepets to provide a diverse nutrient profile. Chalice corals can also benefit from occasional feedings of mysis shrimp, offered a few times a month, to ensure they receive a balanced range of nutrients.
For best results, use a turkey baster to target-feed the coral, pausing circulation and return pumps for approximately 10-15 minutes. This method ensures the coral has adequate time to capture and absorb nutrients effectively.
Coloration and Tank Maturity
Chalice corals are renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, often showcasing stunning rainbow hues with a mix of electric greens, purples, reds, oranges, and blues. Their unique pigmentation is influenced by water quality, lighting spectrum, and supplemental feeding. Deep blue lighting enhances their vivid coloration, while balanced lighting promotes steady growth.
Feeding Chalice corals with nutrient-rich foods, such as mysis shrimp and amino acid blends, helps maintain their vibrant and dynamic colors. Trace elements, including iodine and iron, also play a significant role in supporting their pigmentation and overall health.
Chalice corals adapt relatively quickly to stable reef systems, making them a rewarding choice for hobbyists who provide consistent care and optimal conditions. Their slow encrusting growth adds a unique texture and dynamic appearance to any reef tank.
Common Challenges
While Chalice corals are a captivating addition to reef tanks, they can face certain challenges that require attention:
- Tissue Recession: Sudden changes in water parameters, strong currents, or prolonged stress can lead to tissue recession, sometimes exposing the coral’s skeleton. Maintaining stable conditions and avoiding strong, direct flow is essential.
- Sensitivity to Algae Overgrowth: Chalice corals’ encrusting growth form can make them susceptible to algae overgrowth if nutrient levels rise. Regular maintenance and keeping nitrate and phosphate levels low will help prevent this issue.
- Lighting Stress: Overly intense lighting can cause bleaching or tissue damage. Ensure they are placed in lower-light areas of the tank and acclimated gradually to any changes in lighting conditions.
- Pest Infestation: Like other LPS corals, Chalice corals can be targeted by pests such as flatworms. Regular inspections and coral dips can help protect your coral from infestations.
How We Farm/Propagate This
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we carefully farm and propagate Chalice corals in our dedicated aquaculture facility, ensuring their health and adaptability for home reef systems. Using a combination of Ecotech Marine Radions and metal halides for balanced lighting, and advanced wavemakers like Ecotech Marine MP’s, Reef Octopus Octo Pulse, and Sicce XStream for optimal flow, we replicate the ideal conditions for Chalice corals to thrive.
Propagation begins by selecting healthy parent colonies and fragging them with precision to minimize stress. Each frag is securely mounted with reef-safe glue or epoxy and placed in grow-out tanks where they are monitored for growth and coloration. This sustainable process ensures we provide aquacultured Chalice corals that are well-suited for reef tanks and help promote sustainable practices within the reefing hobby.
Acclimation Guide
Proper acclimation is essential for ensuring a smooth transition for Chalice corals into your reef system. These corals can experience stress from shipping or environmental changes, so following these steps will help them settle in successfully:
- Temperature Acclimation: Float the bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature.
- Drip Acclimation: Gradually introduce your tank water to the coral.
- Placement: Mount the coral securely using glue or epoxy in a low-flow area of the tank. Monitor its behavior and coloration during the adjustment period.
