JF Raja Rampage Chalice Coral

JF Raja Rampage Chalice Coral

Chalice

Overview

JF Raja Rampage Chalice Coral shows a flattened, undulating plate with contrasting raised eyes and ridges. Classified as Echinophyllia sp., this hard plating LPS coral prefers low to moderate light and gentle to moderate, indirect flow. It is photosynthetic with symbiotic algae but benefits from occasional small meaty foods at night, which can support growth and maintain color. Place on the sandbed or a stable ledge with space around it, as it can extend short sweeper tentacles and sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Low–Moderate
Placement Low–Mid
Temperament Semi-aggressive to 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 8–9 dKH
Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, rotifers, copepods, microplankton, powdered coral foods, marine snow

Care & Placement

JF Raja Rampage Chalice Coral (Echinophyllia sp.) prefers low to moderate light (PAR ~60–120) and gentle, indirect flow that keeps detritus from settling without lifting tissue. Place it low to mid in the tank on a stable rock ledge, not directly on sand (grains can irritate), and allow 4–6 inches of space; at night it can extend sweeper tentacles that sting neighbors. Feed 2–3 times per week after lights out with fine meaty foods (mysis slurry, reef roe, powdered coral foods) to support growth and coloration; target feed lightly to avoid fouling. Maintain stable water: temperature 76–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 420–460 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Use reliable test kits and a refractometer; avoid rapid swings, especially in alkalinity and salinity.Acclimate by temperature matching, dipping for pests, and ramping light slowly (start shaded or at 30–40% intensity and increase weekly). Bleaching signals too much light; tissue recession often points to instability, detritus buildup, or pests—adjust flow, check parameters, and consider an iodine-based dip if recession advances from the edges. Keep nutrients non-zero, run moderate export (skimmer, refugium), and maintain good aeration. Mount with putty/gel so the rim is supported; the skeleton is thin and can chip. Compatible with most peaceful LPS, but avoid aggressive neighbors and fast encrusters that can overgrow it.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the JF Raja Rampage Chalice Coral

  • Why does my JF Raja Rampage Chalice fade or lose its yellow rim under strong lighting?
    This strain prefers modest PAR (around 75–150) with a blue-heavy spectrum. Too much white light or abrupt increases can wash out the rim and mute the green base. Acclimate slowly from shaded placement, and keep nutrients non-zero (NO3 ~5–15 ppm, PO4 ~0.03–0.08). If fading occurs, lower PAR, increase blue, and stabilize alkalinity (8–9 dKH). Color often rebounds over 2–4 weeks with stable conditions.
  • The tissue is receding from the rim inward. What’s the likely cause and fix?
    Edge recession in chalices often follows alkalinity swings, direct flow blasting the rim, or irritation from vermetids or nearby stingers. Verify stable dKH, redirect flow to gentle, and inspect for pests. Trim back dying tissue with a clean diamond blade, dip in iodine/antiseptic, and seal the cut edge with gel superglue. Place in low light, moderate indirect flow for healing, and resume target feeding once polyps extend.
  • Can I keep the Raja Rampage near other LPS without damage at night?
    Give 3–5 inches minimum. While daytime sweepers are short, it can deploy mesenterial filaments after lights out and burn neighbors. Avoid placing it downhill from euphyllia or favias that can reach it. Run fresh carbon and ensure good export when mixing many LPS to reduce chemical stress. Watch for nocturnal contact points and reposition before permanent skeleton-to-skeleton fights occur.
  • My colony grows upward, shading its edge and causing dieback. How do I manage this growth form?
    Raja Rampage can plate and form shelves that shade the rim. Rotate the plug or colony monthly to even light, or trim overhangs to re-expose the edge. Slightly increase side lighting rather than top intensity. Keep flow angled to prevent detritus collecting under lips. Regularly inspect shaded skirts; early trimming and improved light distribution prevent chronic rim recession.