Blue Rainbow Chalice

The Blue Rainbow Chalice Coral is a breathtaking LPS (large-polyp stony) coral, admired for its vibrant blue base with swirling streaks of red, orange, yellow, and green hues. Under actinic lighting, these colors intensify, creating a stunning, almost iridescent appearance. Known for its encrusting to plating growth pattern, this coral adds dynamic color and texture to reef aquariums. It is a slow to moderate grower but highly prized for its dramatic color shifts under different lighting conditions.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons, but thrives in 50+ gallons for stability and long-term growth.
• Temperament: Moderately aggressive – extends sweeper tentacles at night, so provide at least 3-5 inches of space from neighboring corals.
• Lighting: Low to moderate (PAR 75-150); too much light can cause bleaching, while moderate light enhances its rainbow colors.
• Flow: Low to moderate – enough to prevent detritus buildup but gentle enough to allow tissue expansion.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on lower rockwork or the sandbed, allowing space for encrusting or plating growth.
  • Avoid placing in high-flow areas, as strong currents can damage delicate tissue.
• Feeding:
  • Carnivorous – benefits from target feeding 1-2 times per week with:
    • Mysis shrimp
    • Brine shrimp
    • Reef-specific coral foods (powdered or liquid)
  • Gains additional nutrients from photosynthesis via zooxanthellae.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.03-0.07 ppm) – excess nutrients can cause algae overgrowth, while too little may slow growth.

Compatibility:

• Best with other LPS corals, but ensure ample spacing to prevent sweeper tentacle stings.
• Avoid placement near aggressive corals like Galaxea, Hydnophora, or large Euphyllia species.
• Pairs well with soft corals that do not compete for space or nutrients.

Special Considerations:

• Coloration Enhancement: The rainbow effect intensifies under blue-dominant actinic lighting.
• Fragging: Can be fragged carefully using a dremel or bandsaw, but healing takes time.
• Nighttime Behavior: Extends long sweeper tentacles at night for feeding and defense.

Summary:

The Blue Rainbow Chalice Coral is a highly desirable, vividly colored, and moderately aggressive LPS coral, perfect for adding bold contrast and encrusting beauty to reef aquariums. With stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, it will thrive and become a mesmerizing showpiece in any reef tank.