Chalice colony

3-4″ colony.

Chalice corals are a diverse and popular group of large polyp stony (LPS) corals known for their vibrant colors and unique growth patterns. They belong to the family Pectiniidae, and some common genera include *Echinophyllia*, *Oxypora*, and *Mycedium*. Here’s a detailed overview of chalice corals:

### Description
– **Appearance**: Chalice corals come in a wide range of colors and patterns, often featuring bright, fluorescent hues. They can have smooth or textured surfaces with raised ridges and valleys. Their polyps are generally small and can extend at night for feeding.
– **Structure**: They have an encrusting or plating growth form, spreading over rocks and other surfaces in the aquarium.

### Care Requirements
– **Lighting**: Chalice corals prefer moderate to low lighting. Too much light can cause bleaching, while too little can result in poor growth. LED and T5 lighting systems are commonly used.
– **Water Flow**: Low to moderate water flow is ideal. High flow can damage the delicate tissues of chalice corals, while too little flow can lead to detritus buildup.
– **Water Parameters**: Stable water conditions are crucial. Ideal parameters include:
– Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
– Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
– pH: 8.1-8.4
– Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
– Calcium: 400-450 ppm
– Magnesium: 1200-1350 ppm

### Feeding
– **Diet**: Chalice corals are photosynthetic but benefit from supplemental feeding. They can be fed small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and specially formulated coral foods.
– **Frequency**: Feeding 1-2 times a week can enhance growth and coloration.

### Placement in Aquarium
– **Position**: Place chalice corals in areas with moderate to low light and water flow. They can be placed on the sand bed or attached to live rock in the lower to middle regions of the tank.
– **Spacing**: Provide ample space between chalice corals and other corals to prevent aggression. Chalice corals can have long sweeper tentacles that can sting neighboring corals.

### Compatibility
– **Tankmates**: Chalice corals are generally peaceful but can be aggressive towards nearby corals with their sweeper tentacles. They are compatible with a variety of reef-safe fish and invertebrates.

### Propagation
– **Fragging**: Chalice corals can be propagated through fragging. Use a sharp tool to cut a piece of the coral and attach it to a frag plug or rock in the aquarium.

### Special Considerations
– **Pest Control**: Regularly inspect chalice corals for pests such as flatworms and nudibranchs, which can harm them. Dipping new corals before introducing them to the tank can help prevent infestations.
– **Monitoring**: Keep an eye on the coral’s health and coloration. Changes can indicate issues with water quality or lighting.

By maintaining stable water conditions and providing appropriate lighting and feeding, chalice corals can thrive and become a stunning addition to a reef aquarium.