Orange Lazer Chalice

Chalice Coral, belonging to the family Pectiniidae, is a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts for its stunning colors and unique growth patterns. Here’s a detailed look at Chalice Coral care:

### Appearance
– **Coloration**: Chalice corals are known for their vibrant colors, including shades of red, green, blue, pink, and purple. Many varieties have contrasting eyes (mouths) and ridges that add to their visual appeal.
– **Structure**: They have a flat or cup-like structure with a textured surface that can grow in a plating or encrusting manner.

### Care Level
– **Difficulty**: Moderate. They require stable water conditions and specific care to thrive.
– **Lighting**: Moderate to low lighting is ideal. Too much light can cause bleaching, while too little can result in poor growth. They often do well under LED or T5 lighting systems.
– **Water Flow**: Low to moderate water flow. Strong currents can damage their delicate tissue, while very low flow can lead to detritus buildup and poor health.

### Water Parameters
– **Temperature**: 72-78°F (22-25°C)
– **pH**: 8.1-8.4
– **Salinity**: 1.023-1.025
– **Alkalinity**: 8-12 dKH
– **Calcium**: 400-450 ppm
– **Magnesium**: 1250-1350 ppm
– **Nitrates**: Below 5 ppm
– **Phosphates**: Below 0.03 ppm

### Placement
– **Positioning**: Place them in areas with low to moderate light and flow, often on the sandbed or lower parts of the rockwork. They need space to grow and should not be placed too close to other corals to avoid aggression.

### Growth and Propagation
– **Growth Rate**: Chalice corals grow slowly compared to some other corals. They can expand by encrusting over the substrate or forming new growth edges.
– **Propagation**: They can be propagated by carefully cutting sections of the coral with a bandsaw or bone cutters and then attaching the fragments to new substrates using reef-safe glue.

### Feeding
– **Nutrients**: While Chalice corals contain symbiotic zooxanthellae for photosynthesis, they also benefit from supplemental feeding. They can be fed small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and coral-specific foods. Feeding at night when their feeding tentacles are extended is often most effective.

### Compatibility
– **Aggression**: Chalice corals can be aggressive, using their sweeper tentacles to sting nearby corals. Ensure adequate space between them and other corals to prevent damage.
– **Peaceful Coexistence**: They can coexist peacefully with other non-aggressive corals if given enough space.

### Special Considerations
– **Water Stability**: They are sensitive to changes in water parameters, so maintaining stable conditions is crucial.
– **Pest Control**: Regularly inspect for pests like aiptasia, flatworms, or nudibranchs that can harm the coral. Keeping the tank clean and maintaining good water quality helps prevent infestations.

Would you like more specific information on a particular variety of Chalice Coral or tips on addressing any issues you might be facing with them?