Why does my ORA Easter Egg Chalice lose its neon “egg” eyes under higher light?

Echinophyllia from deeper or turbid zones prefers lower PAR (80–150). Excess light drives zooxanthellae density up, muting fluorescence or causing edge burn. Drop PAR gradually, extend blue spectrum photoperiod, and ensure moderate, indirect flow. Feed small-particle foods 2–3 nights weekly to support pigments. Stabilize alkalinity (8–9 dKH) and phosphate (~0.03–0.08 ppm); ultra-low nutrients can also wash out color.

The rim is receding while the center looks fine—what’s causing this “shadow die-off” pattern?

Chalices often plate outward; the thin rim gets the brunt of flow and micro-irritation. Vermetid snail threads, hydroids, or persistent detritus can erode the edge. Increase gentle, cross-flow to keep the perimeter clean, trim vermetids, and spot-feed the rim. Seal minor edge damage with a ring of gel glue after an iodine dip, and avoid PAR spikes on the thin margin.

My chalice inflates and shows gaping mouths at night—stress or feeding cue?

Mild inflation before polyp extension is normal; pronounced gaping with exposed skeleton signals stress. Check salinity drift, temp swings, and alkalinity. Reduce flow intensity briefly and step down PAR by 20–30%. Run fresh carbon for 48 hours in case of chemical warfare from nearby LPS. Resume small nocturnal feedings once tissues look taut and mouths close.

How aggressive is it toward neighbors, and what spacing does it need?

This coral deploys short sweeper tentacles and can sting within 2–3 inches, especially overnight. Give 3–4 inches clearance from fleshy LPS and avoid direct line-of-flow contact that carries mucus or nematocyst threads. Use periodic carbon and steady water changes to mitigate allelopathy. If a nearby coral is stung, move it, then dip and observe for delayed tissue loss.

ORA Easter Egg Chalice Coral

Chalice

Overview

ORA Easter Egg Chalice Coral shows a mottled pastel base with contrasting raised eyes on a thin, undulating plate. Classified as Echinophyllia sp., it is a stony plating coral that prefers moderate light and low to moderate, indirect flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but accepts small meaty foods at night, which can support faster growth and stronger color. Place on a stable rock ledge with space around it, as sweeper tentacles and tissue spread can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Moderate, indirect

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 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–9 dKH

Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, microplankton, rotifers, cyclops, finely minced mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, reef roid–type coral foods, LPS pellets, marine snow

Care & Placement

ORA Easter Egg Chalice Coral (Echinophyllia sp.) prefers stable, clean water with gentle conditions. Target 76–79°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH, calcium 410–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Provide low to moderate light (PAR ~75–150); strong light can cause bleaching and washed-out colors. Acclimate to light over 10–14 days by starting shaded or using a dimming schedule. Flow should be low to moderate and indirect—enough to keep detritus from collecting on the surface without lifting tissue. Feed 1–3 times weekly after lights down with small meaty foods (mysis, enriched brine) and fine coral foods; visible feeding tentacles indicate a good time to feed. Test key parameters weekly, top off with RODI water, and keep swings small.Place on lower to mid-level rock with a stable, horizontal area for plating and encrusting. Keep 3–6 inches from neighbors; this chalice is semi‑aggressive and may extend short sweepers at night. Avoid contact with sand that can irritate tissue. Dip and inspect on arrival; mount securely to avoid falls. Common issues: bleaching (too much light), tissue recession (alkalinity swings, pests, or poor flow), and detritus burn (settled waste). If recession appears, stabilize parameters, improve gentle flow, consider an iodine-based dip, and reduce light. Compatible with peaceful corals at proper spacing; avoid proximity to long‑sweeper LPS and stinging soft corals.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the ORA Easter Egg Chalice Coral

Why does my ORA Easter Egg Chalice lose its neon “egg” eyes under higher light?

Echinophyllia from deeper or turbid zones prefers lower PAR (80–150). Excess light drives zooxanthellae density up, muting fluorescence or causing edge burn. Drop PAR gradually, extend blue spectrum photoperiod, and ensure moderate, indirect flow. Feed small-particle foods 2–3 nights weekly to support pigments. Stabilize alkalinity (8–9 dKH) and phosphate (~0.03–0.08 ppm); ultra-low nutrients can also wash out color.
The rim is receding while the center looks fine—what’s causing this “shadow die-off” pattern?

Chalices often plate outward; the thin rim gets the brunt of flow and micro-irritation. Vermetid snail threads, hydroids, or persistent detritus can erode the edge. Increase gentle, cross-flow to keep the perimeter clean, trim vermetids, and spot-feed the rim. Seal minor edge damage with a ring of gel glue after an iodine dip, and avoid PAR spikes on the thin margin.
My chalice inflates and shows gaping mouths at night—stress or feeding cue?

Mild inflation before polyp extension is normal; pronounced gaping with exposed skeleton signals stress. Check salinity drift, temp swings, and alkalinity. Reduce flow intensity briefly and step down PAR by 20–30%. Run fresh carbon for 48 hours in case of chemical warfare from nearby LPS. Resume small nocturnal feedings once tissues look taut and mouths close.
How aggressive is it toward neighbors, and what spacing does it need?

This coral deploys short sweeper tentacles and can sting within 2–3 inches, especially overnight. Give 3–4 inches clearance from fleshy LPS and avoid direct line-of-flow contact that carries mucus or nematocyst threads. Use periodic carbon and steady water changes to mitigate allelopathy. If a nearby coral is stung, move it, then dip and observe for delayed tissue loss.

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