This article reviews the care and hardiness of a chalice coral specimen, detailing its impressive growth and resilience over an eight-month period. The author shares personal experiences with various chalice corals, highlighting the crucial role of proper acclimation, particularly concerning lighting intensity. Previous attempts with high-intensity lighting resulted in coral death, underscoring the need for a gradual introduction to brighter light conditions. This current specimen, however, thrives in a lower-light area, showcasing the coral's adaptability and surprising resilience to minor fluctuations in tank parameters.The review emphasizes the chalice coral's exceptional hardiness, its ability to withstand nutrient swings and minor disturbances. This makes it a relatively low-maintenance coral, suitable for both beginner and experienced reef tank keepers. Its vibrant colors and rapid growth rate, even under lower light, are also discussed, offering valuable insights into successful chalice coral cultivation. The article concludes with recommendations for acquisition and placement, advocating for starting with a small frag and gradually acclimating it to the tank's lighting conditions.
Pros And Cons
- Grows relatively fast
- Tolerates nutrient swings and tank syndrome
- Hardy; tolerates varying conditions
- Bright and vibrant colors and textures
- Relatively low maintenance once established
- Does not tolerate high amounts of light, especially sudden increases
- Can be sensitive to excessive light
Read more: Top 5 Green Aquarium Corals
Size and Growth Rate
This chalice coral specimen is quite substantial, measuring nearly four inches across at its widest point. Its growth is impressive; over eight months, it has significantly expanded and covered a significant portion of the rock it's attached to. This rapid growth showcases the coral's potential for expansion in a suitable environment.
I've had various chalices before, including smaller frags and a larger red one. Past experiences highlight the importance of careful acclimation to prevent light stress. This current specimen, obtained from a local reefer, is thriving due to careful placement and consistent care.
Lighting Requirements and Sensitivity
Chalice corals are sensitive to intense lighting. Previous experiences with high-intensity lighting resulted in coral death. In contrast, the current chalice is thriving in a relatively low-light area of my tank, proving that careful placement is critical.
Acclimation to light intensity is crucial. Sudden exposure to high light levels can be fatal, as I found out with my prior attempts. Slow introduction to brighter light is paramount for the coral's survival.
Hardiness and Tolerance
This chalice has shown remarkable hardiness, withstanding nutrient swings and even a bit of detritus. It appears to be relatively resilient to changes in water parameters and tank conditions. Despite minor incidents like sand and a dead snail on top, its growth remained unaffected.
Its ability to recover from these events further emphasizes its relatively strong resilience. The key factor appears to be avoiding excessive light rather than maintaining precise water conditions, providing flexibility in coral care.
Overall Impression and Recommendations
This chalice coral is stunning; the colors and textures are truly exceptional. Its vibrant appearance even in lower-light conditions is remarkable. For prospective reef tank keepers, I recommend acquiring a small frag and placing it in a less brightly lit area of your tank.
Ensure gradual light acclimation to prevent stress. With proper care and lighting conditions, this hardy coral will thrive and add a splash of color to your reef environment. The high tolerance and growth rate make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
