My Miami Chalice

My Miami Chalice: Care Guide for This Iconic Reef Coral

The My Miami Chalice is one of the most recognizable chalice corals in the reef aquarium hobby. With its swirling teal base, neon pink and orange eyes, and dramatic contrast under blue LEDs, it’s a true centerpiece for any mixed reef. This guide covers care, placement, and growth tips so you can keep yours thriving long-term.

Lighting and Placement for My Miami Chalice

My Miami Chalice is a photosynthetic LPS coral that prefers moderate, stable conditions. Too much light or flow can cause tissue recession, while too little can dull its colors.

  • Lighting: Moderate PAR (80–150) is ideal, especially under blue-heavy LED spectrums.
  • Placement: Lower to mid-level in the tank, on a stable rock ledge or dedicated chalice shelf.
  • Acclimation: Start in a shaded area and gradually move it into brighter light over 2–3 weeks.
  • Flow: Low to moderate, indirect flow that keeps the tissue gently moving without lifting the edges.

Watch for signs of stress such as tissue pulling away from the skeleton or a washed-out appearance. If you notice this, reduce light intensity or move the coral to a lower, more shaded area.

Water Parameters and Feeding

Consistent water chemistry is critical for keeping a My Miami Chalice colorful and healthy. Like other chalice corals, it responds best to stable, reef-safe parameters.

  • Temperature: 77–79°F (25–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
  • Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
  • Calcium: 420–450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
  • Nutrients: Nitrate 5–15 ppm; Phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm

Although it relies heavily on its zooxanthellae, targeted feeding can boost growth and coloration:

  • Offer small particle foods like reef roids, powdered coral foods, or finely chopped meaty foods.
  • Feed 1–2 times per week at night when feeding tentacles are extended.
  • Turn off or reduce flow briefly to let food settle on the coral.

Tip: A well-fed My Miami Chalice often develops thicker tissue and more intense coloration over time.

Compatibility, Growth, and Long-Term Success

My Miami Chalice is generally peaceful but can defend its territory with sweeper tentacles. Give it enough space to avoid coral warfare.

  • Leave at least 2–3 inches of space from other LPS and zoanthids.
  • Avoid direct contact with aggressive corals like some euphyllia or large favias.
  • Mount it on a separate rock island if you plan to grow a collection of chalice corals.

Growth can be moderate when conditions are stable. Regular testing and small, frequent adjustments to alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium will help maintain skeletal growth and prevent sudden swings.

For more coral care resources, check out our guides on zoanthids care and building a balanced LPS reef tank setup. If you’re planning your first chalice collection, our beginner coral guide is a great place to start.

With patient acclimation, stable water chemistry, and occasional target feeding, your My Miami Chalice can become a vibrant, long-lived showpiece that draws attention every time the blue lights come on.