Dark Rainbow Chalice

Lighting:

• Moderate to low light is best.

• PAR range: 50–150.

• Avoid intense direct light — can cause bleaching or loss of color.

• Acclimate slowly if moving from low to higher light conditions.

Flow:

• Low to moderate, indirect flow.

• Just enough to keep detritus off but not enough to damage tissue or cause recession.

• Too much flow can irritate the coral’s delicate tissue.

Water Parameters:

• Temp: 76–80°F (24.5–26.5°C)

• Salinity: 1.025 specific gravity

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

• Nitrates: <10 ppm (but not 0)

• Phosphates: <0.03 ppm (again, not zero)

Chalices are sensitive to instability, especially swings in alkalinity.

Feeding:

• Photosynthetic, but benefits greatly from targeted feeding 1–2x per week.

Feed at night or when feeding tentacles are extended.

Placement:

• Bottom to middle of the tank, on a stable rock or frag rack.

• Avoid shadows from overhangs, but don’t blast with top-tier light.

• Allow room to grow — some species can extend long, aggressive sweepers.

Aggression:

• Chalice corals can be very aggressive toward nearby corals.

• Some species send out long sweepers at night.

• Keep at least 3–5 inches of space between chalices and others.

Fragging:

• Frag with a diamond band saw or coral cutters.

• Cut outside the mouth areas.

• Handle gently — tissue is very delicate and can recede if damaged.

Common Issues:

• Tissue recession: Often due to unstable alkalinity, direct flow, or light stress.

• Pest snails or flatworms: Inspect regularly.

• Algae overgrowth: If under low flow and nutrients are high.