Melting Pot Chalice

About this coral

Melting Pot Chalice is a chalice-type LPS coral commonly kept in reef aquariums for its distinctive “eyes” and attractive appearance. In practical terms, it’s a centerpiece coral you place on stable rock so it can open comfortably and expand its fleshy tissue while receiving the right balance of light and flow for LPS growth. As with many commercially named chalice corals, the shop name reflects the coral group (chalice) rather than a fully verified scientific identity, so this guidance focuses on general chalice/LPS-style care.

Features:

• Prized chalice-style look, often highlighted by prominent mouth/“eye” detail and strong visual patterning
• LPS-style photosynthesis support means it typically benefits from appropriate reef lighting rather than relying only on feeding
• Generally prefers moderate flow—enough to keep detritus from settling on tissue, without blasting the coral
• Best placed on stable, secure rockwork where it can remain undisturbed for consistent tissue expansion
• Can respond well to supplemental feeding with appropriate meaty foods, especially in established systems
• Like many reef corals, it benefits from stable water quality and consistent husbandry

Specifications:

• Coral category: LPS (chalice-type)
• Care level (general guidance): Moderate
• Lighting (general guidance): Moderate reef light
• Water flow (general guidance): Moderate, non-direct turbulent flow
• Feeding (general guidance): Supplemental meaty foods as needed; also relies on photosynthesis
• Temperature (reef standard guidance): About 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH (reef standard guidance): About 8.1–8.4
• Salinity (reef standard guidance): About 1.023–1.026 SG
• Alkalinity (reef standard guidance): About 7–11 dKH
• Calcium (reef standard guidance): About 400–450 ppm
• Magnesium (reef standard guidance): About 1250–1350 ppm