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Chalice
Unique piece - "WYSIWYG"!
What You See Is What You Get
Chalice corals encompass a wide variety of corals with different characteristics grouped under the term "Chalice." Various different genera of corals are included, ranging from Echinopora, Oxypora, Mycedium, and even Lithophyllon. As such, care guidelines will be more generalized compared to other corals, as these are very distinct corals grouped together.
While the exact classification may be a murky topic, the impact of Chalice Corals on the reefing hobby is notable. Chalices are one of the most desirable large polyp stony corals (LPS). Their colors and patterns are often intensely fluorescent and can display stunning designs.
Location
In terms of natural distribution, Chalice corals are found throughout the Pacific Ocean. Given their broad distribution, one might assume they are readily available in the hobby, but lately, that has not been the case. At the time of this record, there is currently an import/export ban in Indonesia and Fiji, from where many of these corals come. Therefore, most specimens available in the trade currently originate from Australia.
Lighting
Moderate lighting levels around 100 PAR. Most chalice corals are adaptable to different lighting intensities, but the first priority should always be "do not blast the corals with too intense light." It doesn't take much time to expose corals to too much light, leading to bleaching and a rapid decline in health. It is much better to provide lighting intensity below the standard and slowly correct the situation by adjusting the light or the chalice coral's position, rather than accidentally whitening the coral with too much light and then trying to help it recover afterward.
Chalice corals are quite consistent with their coloration. While there is always some degree of variability and the occasional coral that MAY change color in noticeable ways, overall, there is not much to gain by tinkering with Chalice coral lighting. Moderate and consistent light, and then it's just letting the coral adapt to lighting conditions on its own.
Many Chalice coral species are highly fluorescent under blue actinic LED lights and are true show-stoppers. Even with a T5 fluorescent bulb, some color may be lost, but Chalices under actinic LED lighting showcase incredible colors.
Low Light |
Low light is between 30 and 50 PARs per unit area |
Medium Light |
Medium light is between 50 - 150 PARs per unit area |
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High Light |
High light is above 150 PARs per unit area |
Water Flow
Moderate water movement is recommended.
If the flow is insufficient, there is a risk of allowing debris to settle on the colonies, creating dead spots. Several Chalice coral species naturally form a circular colony, and there should be sufficient flow to sweep away anything that would otherwise settle in the middle. Too much flow, and you risk having the coral fall off the rock.
Feeding
Chalices are considered photosynthetic corals, meaning they have a symbiotic relationship with dinoflagellates living in their tissues, called zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae are the organisms that perform photosynthesis, but the coral benefits by feeding on the by-products of photosynthetic activity, i.e., the simple sugars produced.
While Chalice corals derive much of their nutritional needs from the by-products of photosynthesis, they are also capable of feeding. We have attempted to feed Chalices with various types of food, frozen, pellets, among others. Chalices do not have pronounced polyp extension, so their response to feeding can be challenging to visualize. Typically, these corals use a layer of mucus to capture the food and slowly bring it into their mouths.
Feeding can be a hit or miss, so it's something you will need to experiment with to discover which foods your Chalice prefers.
Aggression
Chalice corals are aggressive. Only a few varieties extend their tentacles, but any body contact between a Chalice coral and another coral will be highly volatile.
