Why do the “hot spot” colors on my Echinophyllia aspera fade even though PAR is high?

This coral often displays its best reds, oranges, and neon eyes under lower to moderate PAR with strong blue spectrum. Excess white light or very high PAR can wash pigments, while ultra-low nutrients can pale tissue. Try gradual light reduction, boost blue channels, and keep nutrients non-zero. Stable alkalinity and trace balance (especially iron/manganese in normal reef ranges) can help maintain fluorescence.

My Hot Spot Chalice is receding from the edges—what’s the likely trigger and fix?

Edge recession usually follows alkalinity swings or localized detritus buildup along the rim. Verify alk stability (aim for small daily variation), improve cross-flow to keep the rim clean, and gently turkey-baste detritus. If bacterial involvement is suspected, iodine-based dips can help. Reduce light slightly during recovery and target feed at night to support regrowth from the eyes.

How close can I place it to other LPS or encrusting corals?

Give more space than you think. Echinophyllia aspera can deploy mesenterial filaments at night that cause rapid tissue loss in neighbors, and its rim can overgrow slower corals. Leave 3–5 inches minimum, more down-current. Avoid placing next to aggressive sweepers like favias or galaxea. Nighttime observation will reveal hidden contact zones; adjust spacing if you see burn marks.

Why does the underside die off when it plates out?

As the colony forms shelves, shaded undersides can stagnate, trapping detritus and encouraging recession. Mount the frag on a slight angle and provide randomized flow so water moves under the plate. Periodically baste the underside and consider trimming overhangs during fragging. Ensure phosphate and nitrate aren’t bottomed out; mild nutrients help tissue tolerate low-light zones.

TSA Hot Spot Chalice Coral

Chalice LPS

Overview

Hot Spot Chalice Coral displays a flattened, wavy plate with prominent eyes and contrasting spots. Echinophyllia aspera is a stony plating coral that prefers moderate lighting and low to moderate, indirect water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but benefits from occasional small meaty foods at night, which can support growth and coloration. Give it space and place it away from aggressive neighbors, as its sweepers can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Moderate, indirect

Placement Low

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 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine meaty foods, rotifers, zooplankton, microplankton, coral-specific powdered foods (Reef Roids), marine snow

Care & Placement

Hot Spot Chalice Coral (Echinophyllia aspera) thrives under stable, low–moderate light (PAR ~80–150) and gentle, indirect flow that keeps detritus from settling without lifting tissue. Start it low and shaded, then slowly increase light over 2–3 weeks to avoid bleaching. Place on lower to mid rockwork with 3–6 inches of space; chalices can extend stinging sweeper tentacles at night and will burn neighbors. Feed 1–2 times weekly after lights out with small meaty foods (mysis, brine, finely chopped seafood) or coral foods; spot feeding supports color and growth. Keep temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, calcium 400–450 ppm, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm. Test weekly and avoid rapid swings, especially in alkalinity, which can trigger tissue recession.Acclimate by dripping 30–45 minutes and light-acclimate with reduced intensity or screening. Dip new frags and inspect for pests (flatworms, nudibranchs, vermetid snails). Mount on a small, isolated rock to control encrusting spread and ease future fragging. Keep sand off tissue and gently baste away debris. Signs of stress: bleaching (too much light), receding edges (alk swings, pests, or flow too strong), inflated tissue with gaping (instability). If issues arise, reduce light, stabilize parameters, lower flow, and resume modest feeding. Generally peaceful if spaced properly; avoid aggressive LPS and fast-growing soft corals nearby.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Hot Spot Chalice Coral

Why do the “hot spot” colors on my Echinophyllia aspera fade even though PAR is high?

This coral often displays its best reds, oranges, and neon eyes under lower to moderate PAR with strong blue spectrum. Excess white light or very high PAR can wash pigments, while ultra-low nutrients can pale tissue. Try gradual light reduction, boost blue channels, and keep nutrients non-zero. Stable alkalinity and trace balance (especially iron/manganese in normal reef ranges) can help maintain fluorescence.
My Hot Spot Chalice is receding from the edges—what’s the likely trigger and fix?

Edge recession usually follows alkalinity swings or localized detritus buildup along the rim. Verify alk stability (aim for small daily variation), improve cross-flow to keep the rim clean, and gently turkey-baste detritus. If bacterial involvement is suspected, iodine-based dips can help. Reduce light slightly during recovery and target feed at night to support regrowth from the eyes.
How close can I place it to other LPS or encrusting corals?

Give more space than you think. Echinophyllia aspera can deploy mesenterial filaments at night that cause rapid tissue loss in neighbors, and its rim can overgrow slower corals. Leave 3–5 inches minimum, more down-current. Avoid placing next to aggressive sweepers like favias or galaxea. Nighttime observation will reveal hidden contact zones; adjust spacing if you see burn marks.
Why does the underside die off when it plates out?

As the colony forms shelves, shaded undersides can stagnate, trapping detritus and encouraging recession. Mount the frag on a slight angle and provide randomized flow so water moves under the plate. Periodically baste the underside and consider trimming overhangs during fragging. Ensure phosphate and nitrate aren’t bottomed out; mild nutrients help tissue tolerate low-light zones.