Solar Flare Chalice (Echinophyllia spp.)

Solar Flare Chalice (Echinophyllia spp.)

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Colour Form: Intense Orange with Striking Blue Lashes
• Water Conditions: 24-26C, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Family: Pectiniidae
• Lighting: Moderate to Low
• Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Amino Acids, Trace Elements
• Water Flow: Low to Moderate
• Placement: Bottom to Middle

Overview

The Solar Flare Chalice is a mesmerizing coral that radiates intense sunset-orange tones, accentuated by electric blue lashes along its delicate ridges. Under actinic lighting, its vivid contrast becomes even more pronounced, giving the coral an otherworldly, glowing effect. Its undulating, plate-like structure creates a stunning display of movement and color, making it a prized addition to any reef aquarium.

Care & Feeding

Thriving in moderate to low lighting, the Solar Flare Chalice develops its most intense colors when placed in stable conditions with gentle water flow. While primarily photosynthetic, it benefits from occasional feedings of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialized coral foods, enhancing its growth and vibrancy.

To maintain its fiery orange and electric blue contrast, consistent alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels are essential.

Optimal Parameters

• Alkalinity (dKH): 8-12
• Calcium (Ca): 400-450 ppm
• Magnesium (Mg): 1250-1350 ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 5-15 ppm
• Phosphate (PO4): 0.03-0.08 ppm

Placement

The Solar Flare Chalice prefers placement in the bottom to middle sections of the tank, where it can receive stable moderate to low lighting and gentle flow. Though relatively peaceful, it has sweeper tentacles that can extend at night, so providing space from other corals will help prevent aggressive encounters.

With its vibrant coloration, unique structure, and glowing appearance under reef lighting, the Solar Flare Chalice is a stunning focal point that brings a dynamic burst of energy to any reef setup!