Aqua cultured Flaming Bugatti Chalice

Chalice Coral (family Euphylliidae) is a stunning and hardy species of LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral that is popular among reef aquarists due to its vibrant colors, unique growth forms, and relatively easy care. This coral species is known for its flat, plate-like structure, often with thick, fleshy tissue that extends over a hard calcium carbonate skeleton. The variety of colors that chalice corals exhibit, from deep greens and reds to bright yellows and purples, make them a standout in reef aquariums.

Here’s a detailed description and care guide to help you maintain a healthy chalice coral in your aquarium:

Description

Chalice corals have a distinctive, flat to domed appearance, with wide, circular growth structures. Their fleshy tissue extends over a skeleton made of calcium carbonate, and the coral’s polyps are large and usually extend from the surface. When healthy, chalice corals can display vibrant colors like neon greens, red, purple, orange, and pink, often with contrasting hues at the edges or in the center of the colony.

• Growth Form: Chalice corals typically grow horizontally in a circular or branching form, but some can grow in a more encrusting manner. Their shape often resembles a plate or a chalice (hence the name).
• Polyp Structure: The polyps are often large and fleshy, with individual tentacles that are visible and can extend during the night when feeding or during lower light levels.
• Color: Chalice corals come in many colors, including greens, blues, reds, purples, and golds. The coloration is often vibrant and changes under different lighting conditions, making them a colorful addition to a reef tank.
• Size: Depending on the species and conditions, chalice corals can grow relatively large, with colonies reaching several inches in diameter or more over time. They typically grow slowly.

Care Guide

1. Lighting

Chalice corals are photosynthetic and rely on zooxanthellae algae within their tissues to provide most of their energy. However, unlike some other corals, they can tolerate lower light levels and do not require extremely intense lighting.

• Ideal Light Levels: Moderate to low lighting, around 100-200 PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation). They can tolerate less light than many other LPS corals but should still receive enough for healthy growth.
• Lighting Type: T5, LED, or metal halide lighting works well, with a focus on providing a balanced spectrum, especially blue wavelengths (actinic), which enhance the coral’s colors.
• Placement in Tank: Place chalice corals in the lower to middle areas of the aquarium, away from direct high-intensity lighting. They will thrive in areas where they get indirect light.

2. Water Flow

Chalice corals are not as sensitive to water movement as some other coral species, but they still benefit from moderate flow. Strong, direct water movement should be avoided, as it may cause the coral to retract its polyps or be damaged.

• Ideal Water Flow: Gentle to moderate flow that allows the coral's polyps to extend but doesn’t cause them to get damaged by direct currents.
• Flow Location: Avoid placing chalice corals in the direct path of strong water flow. A gentle random current that promotes nutrient exchange is ideal.

3. Temperature

Chalice corals prefer a stable, moderate temperature, much like most reef corals.

• Ideal Temperature Range: 76°F to 80°F (24-27°C). Avoid large fluctuations in temperature, as this can stress the coral and hinder its health.

4. Water Parameters

Like all corals, chalice corals thrive in stable water conditions. Regular testing and maintenance of the water parameters are essential for their well-being.

• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 SG (specific gravity).
• pH: 8.1-8.4.
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH.
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm.
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm.
• Nitrates: <10 ppm (ideally under 5 ppm).
• Phosphates: <0.03 ppm.

Regular water changes are important to keep these parameters stable and remove excess nutrients that can promote algae growth and negatively affect the coral.

5. Feeding

While chalice corals are primarily photosynthetic, they can benefit from additional feeding of meaty foods, especially if they are not receiving enough light. Feeding can help enhance growth and coloration.

• Feeding Options: Small, meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or plankton. You can target feed them with a turkey baster or pipette to ensure they receive enough food.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed chalice corals once or twice a week. Be sure not to overfeed, as this can affect water quality.

6. Tankmates

Chalice corals are generally peaceful and can coexist with many other species in a reef tank. However, they should be given enough space, as they can have aggressive tendencies, especially toward other LPS corals. Their polyps can sting and cause tissue damage if placed too close to other corals.

• Compatible Tankmates: Peaceful fish such as clownfish, gobies, wrasses, and smaller tangs. Other LPS corals (with adequate space) and soft corals may also be suitable tankmates.
• Avoid: Aggressive corals such as torch, frogspawn, or other chalice species placed too close together. Also, avoid placing them near large-polyp stony (LPS) corals that can sting.

7. Acclimation

Chalice corals should be acclimated slowly to your tank’s conditions to minimize stress. Rapid changes in temperature, salinity, or light can be detrimental.

• Acclimation Method: Use the drip acclimation method to gradually adjust the coral to the aquarium's water conditions, including temperature and salinity.
• Lighting Acclimation: When introducing a chalice coral to the tank, start with dim lighting and slowly increase the intensity over several days to prevent light shock.

8. Growth and Fragging

Chalice corals grow slowly, and their colonies can expand over time, developing new growth edges. Fragging chalice corals is possible, though it requires care and attention.

• Fragging: You can frag chalice corals by carefully cutting through the skeleton with a saw or bone cutters. Be sure to cut a piece that includes both healthy tissue and skeleton, and allow the frag to heal in a low-flow area. Ensure the frag heals completely before introducing it to higher-flow areas.

Common Problems

• Bleaching: This can occur if the coral is exposed to excessive light or poor water conditions. Ensure proper light levels and stable water parameters.
• Tissue Necrosis: Can happen due to physical damage, pests, or poor water quality. If the coral shows signs of tissue recession, move it to a safer, more stable environment.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for Aiptasia anemones or flatworms, which may target chalice corals. Manual removal or appropriate treatments may be necessary.