can chalice corals tolerate low light?

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GuppyFly
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:55 pm

can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by GuppyFly »

I've got a Chalice Coral in my 40-gallon tank under moderate lighting, but I'm thinking of moving it to a lower-light area. Anyone know if they can handle that? My params are stable, 8.1 pH, 1.025 salinity, and 78°F.
fluxive
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:42 pm

Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by fluxive »

Chalices are pretty adaptable, but it depends on the species. Some will fade under low light, others might just grow slower. What's your current PAR reading? Mine do fine at around 75 PAR, but anything below 50 and they start looking dull.
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fusion9
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Joined: Thu Jan 25, 2024 5:24 pm

Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by fusion9 »

I've had mine in a shaded spot for months, and they're doing alright. Not growing fast, but the colors are holding. Just make sure they're not completely in the dark, and keep feeding them occasionally. What's your feeding routine like?
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rizonix
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Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by rizonix »

fluxive wrote: Thu Jun 05, 2025 2:10 pm Chalices are pretty adaptable, but it depends on the species. Some will fade under low light, others might just grow slower. What's your current PAR reading? Mine do fine at around 75 PAR, but anything below 50 and they start looking dull.
Agreed. PAR is key here. If you don't have a meter, observe the coral's response over a few weeks. Browning or stretching means it's not getting enough light.
buzzy420
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:57 pm

Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by buzzy420 »

Low light can work, but you gotta compensate with spot feeding. I dose amino acids too, keeps mine happy. What's your nitrate level? High nutrients + low light can lead to algae issues on the coral.
fable95
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Joined: Fri Jun 21, 2024 5:52 am

Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by fable95 »

I've had success with mine in low light, but it's all about balance. If you're gonna move it, do it gradually. Maybe reduce the light intensity over a week or two. How's your flow in that area? They still need some movement.
cloudy9
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:48 pm

Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by cloudy9 »

Mine are under T5s, not super bright, and they're thriving. Colors are vibrant, and they've even spread a bit. Maybe it's more about consistency than intensity. What's your photoperiod like?
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foxlyn
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Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by foxlyn »

I'd say test it out in the new spot for a bit. If it starts looking rough, just move it back. Chalices are tough, they'll bounce back. What's the rest of your tank like? Any aggressive neighbors?
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bluevolt9
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Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by bluevolt9 »

Low light's sketchy for chalices, imo. Mine got all pale when I tried it. Had to bump the lights back up. Maybe try a dimmer setting first instead of full shade. What kinda lights you running?
RicSh
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:47 pm

Re: can chalice corals tolerate low light?

Post by RicSh »

I keep mine in medium light, but I've seen folks do okay with less. Just watch for signs of stress. How often are you testing your water? Stability's huge for these guys.
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