Why does my Convict Chalice lose its bold striping under strong LEDs?

Echinophyllia often fades or “flattens” patterning when PAR is too high or spectra skew heavily toward cool white. Aim for 80–150 PAR with strong blue/violet (420–470 nm), gradual acclimation, and modest nitrate/phosphate. Slightly shaded placement can restore contrast. Keep alkalinity stable; abrupt swings dull pigments. Trace balance (iron/manganese) and nightly target feeds also support color.

How can I encourage thick, ridged growth instead of a thin, flat plate?

Provide moderate, indirect flow that passes across the rim rather than blasting the face. Mount on a stable ledge so the rim can roll and calcify. Maintain steady alkalinity and calcium; brief nutrient starvation leads to thin margins. Occasional small-particle feeds at night promote tissue mass, helping valleys and ridges develop more robustly.

My chalice shows slow rim recession from one edge—how do I stop it?

Edge recession often follows parameter swings or localized irritation. First, stabilize alk, temp, and salinity. Inspect for vermetid snails or detritus traps along the rim. Perform an iodine dip, then increase gentle cross-flow. If recession persists, make a relief cut 3–5 mm into healthy tissue ahead of the necrotic line and isolate the saved piece in low light until healed.

How far can its sweepers reach, and how do I manage chemical aggression?

At night, sweepers can extend 2–4 inches, sometimes more on mature colonies. Give at least 4–6 inches of buffer from other LPS or encrusting corals. Run fresh carbon and maintain good export if housed with soft corals that shed terpenes. Stable pH and strong skimming help mitigate allelochemicals. Observe after lights out to verify safe spacing.

Convict Chalice Coral

Chalice

Overview

Convict Chalice Coral shows distinct stripe-like patterns with raised feeding mouths on a flattened, cup-like surface. Echinophyllia sp. is a stony, encrusting to plating LPS coral that prefers moderate light and low to moderate, indirect flow. It relies on symbiotic algae but benefits from occasional small meaty foods at night, which can support faster growth and deeper color. Give it space from other corals due to stinging tentacles, and place on stable rock or sand to prevent shading and tissue damage.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Low–Moderate

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Aggressive (6–8 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 420–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, microplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely minced seafood, coral-specific powdered foods

Care & Placement

Convict Chalice Coral (Echinophyllia sp.) does best under low to moderate light (PAR ~75–150) with indirect illumination; start in shade and move up slowly to avoid bleaching. Provide gentle, varied flow to keep detritus off the surface without lifting tissue; too much flow can cause recession. Feed 1–3 times weekly after lights out with fine particulate foods (reef blends, powdered zooplankton) and small meaty items like mysis; target feed lightly to avoid fouling water. Maintain stable water: temperature 24–26°C (75–78°F), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. This coral is sensitive to rapid alkalinity and salinity changes; test regularly and adjust slowly.Place low to mid in the tank on a stable rock ledge or shelf where it can plate outward; keep 7–15 cm (3–6 in) from neighbors. It extends short to moderate sweepers at night and can sting nearby corals; avoid close placement with other LPS and encrusters. Quarantine and dip new pieces; handle carefully to prevent skeleton cuts. Acclimate with a slow drip and light screening. Use a turkey baster to blow off debris weekly. Signs of stress: paling/bleaching (too much light), browning (low light/high nutrients), tissue recession (parameter swings or pests). Improve stability, reduce light, and increase gentle feeding for recovery; consider iodine-based dips for minor tissue damage. Avoid nipping fish such as many angelfish and butterflies.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Convict Chalice Coral

Why does my Convict Chalice lose its bold striping under strong LEDs?

Echinophyllia often fades or “flattens” patterning when PAR is too high or spectra skew heavily toward cool white. Aim for 80–150 PAR with strong blue/violet (420–470 nm), gradual acclimation, and modest nitrate/phosphate. Slightly shaded placement can restore contrast. Keep alkalinity stable; abrupt swings dull pigments. Trace balance (iron/manganese) and nightly target feeds also support color.
How can I encourage thick, ridged growth instead of a thin, flat plate?

Provide moderate, indirect flow that passes across the rim rather than blasting the face. Mount on a stable ledge so the rim can roll and calcify. Maintain steady alkalinity and calcium; brief nutrient starvation leads to thin margins. Occasional small-particle feeds at night promote tissue mass, helping valleys and ridges develop more robustly.
My chalice shows slow rim recession from one edge—how do I stop it?

Edge recession often follows parameter swings or localized irritation. First, stabilize alk, temp, and salinity. Inspect for vermetid snails or detritus traps along the rim. Perform an iodine dip, then increase gentle cross-flow. If recession persists, make a relief cut 3–5 mm into healthy tissue ahead of the necrotic line and isolate the saved piece in low light until healed.
How far can its sweepers reach, and how do I manage chemical aggression?

At night, sweepers can extend 2–4 inches, sometimes more on mature colonies. Give at least 4–6 inches of buffer from other LPS or encrusting corals. Run fresh carbon and maintain good export if housed with soft corals that shed terpenes. Stable pH and strong skimming help mitigate allelochemicals. Observe after lights out to verify safe spacing.

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