Tips for keeping chalice corals

[sweetbread]

Just got my first chalice coral, but it's not extending its polyps like I expected. Tank's at 78F, salinity 1.025, with moderate flow. Any tips to get it to open up?

[hookedon]

Chalices can be picky about light and flow. What's your PAR level? They usually dig lower light, around 100–150 PAR. Also, too much flow can stress 'em out. Try dialing it back a notch.

[deep_sea]

Chalices can be picky about light and flow. What's your PAR level? They usually dig lower light, around 100–150 PAR. Also, too much flow can stress 'em out. Try dialing it back a notch.

Yep, hookedon's spot on. I've had success with mine under T5s, about 12 inches from the surface. Also, check your alk stability—chalices hate swings. Keep it between 8–9 dKH.

[larson8]

Mine took a week to open fully. Maybe give it time? Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 5 ppm.

[jollybob]

Chalices are chill once they settle in. Mine didn't do squat for days, then bam, full extension. Just don't mess with it too much. They hate being moved.

[flamea]

What's your lighting schedule? Mine perked up when I cut the photoperiod from 10 to 8 hours. Also, feed 'em some reef roids if you're not already.

[Sunnyo]

I've heard some chalices prefer dimmer spots. Maybe try shading it slightly for a few days?

[sweetbread]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try reducing the flow and checking my alk. Lights are at 120 PAR, so I might tweak the schedule too.

[hookedon]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try reducing the flow and checking my alk. Lights are at 120 PAR, so I might tweak the schedule too.

Good call. Let us know how it goes. Chalices can be finicky, but once they're happy, they're bulletproof.

[deep_sea]

One more thing—watch for pests. Flatworms and nudis love chalices. Dip new frags and inspect regularly.