Jellybean Chalice

Jellybean Chalice: Care Guide for This Colorful LPS Coral

The Jellybean Chalice is one of the most eye-catching LPS corals in the reef aquarium hobby. With swirling patches of red, orange, green, yellow, and sometimes blue, it looks like a handful of candy set on a calcium base. Despite its exotic appearance, this coral can be surprisingly manageable when you understand its needs.

Jellybean Chalice Care: Lighting, Flow, and Placement

Jellybean Chalice corals generally prefer moderate conditions rather than extremes. Getting placement right early on will help them color up and grow steadily.

  • Lighting: Low to moderate PAR (70–150). Too much light can cause fading or tissue recession.
  • Flow: Low to moderate, indirect flow to keep detritus off the surface without blasting the tissue.
  • Placement: Start on the sandbed or a shaded lower rock and slowly adjust upwards if colors dull.

Like many chalice corals, Jellybeans can send out sweeper tentacles at night. Leave a few inches of space between them and more delicate neighbors to prevent stings.

Water Parameters and Feeding for Best Color

Stable water chemistry is more important than chasing exact numbers. Aim for a clean but nutrient-rich reef environment.

  • Temperature: 76–78°F (24–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
  • Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
  • Calcium: 420–450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
  • Nitrates & Phosphates: Low but detectable levels support color and growth.

Feeding can dramatically improve growth and coloration. Although the Jellybean Chalice hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae, it benefits from targeted feeding 1–2 times per week.

  • Offer small meaty foods like mysis, finely chopped seafood, or high-quality coral blends.
  • Feed after lights out when feeding tentacles are extended.
  • Turn off flow briefly to keep food on the coral’s surface.

Tip: Watch for subtle feeding responses—slight swelling, tentacles extending, or mouths opening are good signs your Jellybean Chalice is ready to eat.

Compatibility, Growth, and Long-Term Care

Jellybean Chalice corals are generally peaceful but can be aggressive within reach of their sweeper tentacles. Keep them away from fleshy LPS like acans and torches to avoid chemical warfare and stinging.

  • Provide a stable rock or plug where the coral can encrust over time.
  • Maintain stable parameters; avoid rapid swings in alkalinity or temperature.
  • Acclimate to new lighting slowly using reduced intensity or shaded placement.

For more on creating a stable environment for LPS corals, see our guide to LPS coral care. If you’re planning a mixed reef, our beginner reef tank setup article covers equipment and layout that work well with chalice corals. To explore other colorful options that pair nicely with the Jellybean Chalice, check out our best LPS corals for color roundup.

With moderate lighting, gentle flow, and consistent water chemistry, the Jellybean Chalice can become a vivid centerpiece that rewards patient reef keepers with incredible color and texture.