🌟 Chalice Coral – The Crown Jewel of the Reef

What is a Chalice Coral?

Chalice Corals (Echinophyllia spp.) are vibrant LPS corals known for their bold coloration, textured surfaces, and dynamic growth shapes. Found in glowing shades of green, orange, pink, purple, and metallic gold, Chalices add serious impact to any saltwater reef tank. Whether flat, wavy, or cup-shaped, they create visual depth and bring dramatic flair to your aquascape.

🔎 Keywords: chalice coral, LPS coral, encrusting coral, colorful reef coral, live coral for sale, reef-safe coral

🧪 Chalice Coral Care Guide

Don’t let their fancy look fool you—Chalices are beginner to intermediate level corals that do well in stable systems.

✅ Temperature: 75–80°F

✅ Salinity: 1.024–1.026

✅ pH: 8.1–8.4

✅ Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

✅ Calcium: 400–450 ppm

✅ Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

Lighting: Low to moderate PAR (80–200); avoid direct, intense light that can cause bleaching.
Flow: Gentle to moderate flow is best to prevent debris buildup while avoiding tissue stress.

🏠 Ideal Placement in the Aquarium

Start your Chalice Coral low in the tank on a flat rock or sandbed. Once acclimated, you can slowly adjust placement. Give several inches of space—Chalices have long sweeper tentacles and may sting nearby corals at night.

🍽️ Feeding & Behavior

Chalices are photosynthetic, but they respond well to target feeding 1–2 times per week to boost growth and intensify color.

🦢 Suggested foods:

• Reef Roids

• Coral Frenzy

• Chopped mysis shrimp

• LPS pellets

Feeding at night with flow turned down improves feeding response.

Behavior: Semi-aggressive. Keep them away from sensitive neighbors.

⚠️ Signs of Stress in Chalice Coral

• ❌ Faded or washed-out colors → too much light or poor nutrients

• ❌ Tissue recession → unstable water parameters or pests

• ❌ Closed polyps or slime → stress from placement or water flow

Quick environmental corrections usually help them recover.

💫 Why Choose Chalice Coral?

Chalice Corals are beautiful, bold, and adaptable. They're great for hobbyists who want texture, color, and personality in their reef.

✅ Beginner-friendly with vibrant color options
✅ Thrives in low to moderate light
✅ Responds well to feeding
✅ Suitable for nano and large reef tanks
✅ Offers encrusting growth for dynamic aquascaping