{"product_id":"gold-red-chalice-fragment","title":"Gold \u0026 Red Chalice Fragment","description":"\u003cp\u003eChalice corals are a diverse and popular group of Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals. They are highly prized by reef aquarists for their unique growth forms, which are typically either encrusting or plating, and their vast array of possible color combinations. These corals can add a significant splash of color and texture to the lower regions of a reef tank, creating visual interest with their unusual shapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn appearance, Chalice corals often encrust over surfaces before growing out into a thin, plate-like structure. The surface is dotted with raised oral discs, or \"eyes,\" which can be a different color from the main coral body, leading to many striking and sought-after patterns. The coloration of Chalice species can include deep reds, greens, oranges, pinks, and purples, often with contrasting colors between the base tissue and the polyp mouths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dedicated care routine is necessary for a Chalice coral to thrive. It requires low to moderate lighting, ideally in the 75-150 PAR range, so placement on the sandbed or in the lower third of the tank is recommended. Water flow should be low to moderate, enough to prevent detritus from settling but not strong enough to blast the coral's delicate tissue. While photosynthetic, they benefit from weekly target feeding of small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or specialized coral formulas. Maintain stable water parameters, including Calcium between 400-450 ppm, Alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, and Magnesium between 1300-1450 ppm. Be aware that Chalice corals are highly aggressive; they can extend long sweeper tentacles at night that will sting and damage nearby corals, so provide at least 4-6 inches of space from any neighbors. A slow and steady acclimation process is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the hobbyist with an established reef tank, a Chalice coral can be a very rewarding species. Its distinctive appearance and potential for vibrant coloration make it a compelling addition, provided its space and care requirements are met. It serves as a great example of the unique diversity found within LPS corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) item. The coral pictured is the exact specimen you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eastern Marine Aquariums","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42248995471415,"sku":"EMA-SPS-20260528-Q0J0","price":85.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1849\/1739\/files\/4775b55a-5a3e-43ee-863f-1dd9f7b91275-_MG_3780.png?v=1780001534","url":"https:\/\/easternmarineaquariums.co.nz\/products\/gold-red-chalice-fragment","provider":"EasternMarine Aquariums","version":"1.0","type":"link"}