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Pink Boobies Chalice: Care Guide for This Eye‑Catching LPS Coral
The Pink Boobies Chalice is a standout LPS coral prized for its rich pink to magenta base and raised, bubble-like eyes. It makes a dramatic statement in mixed reefs and SPS-dominant systems alike, as long as you respect its lighting, flow, and space needs.
Lighting, Flow, and Placement
Pink Boobies Chalice corals generally prefer moderate PAR and gentle, indirect flow. Too much light or current can cause tissue recession and washed-out colors.
- Lighting: Aim for low to moderate PAR (75–150). Start in the lower third of the tank and slowly move up only if coloration fades or the coral stretches.
- Flow: Low to moderate, indirect flow is ideal. You want enough movement to prevent detritus from settling, but not so much that the tissue whips or retracts.
- Placement: Place on stable rock or a dedicated chalice shelf with room to grow. Avoid direct blast from wavemakers or return nozzles.
Give this coral a buffer zone from delicate neighbors. Pink Boobies Chalice can extend sweeper tentacles at night and may sting nearby corals.
Water Parameters and Feeding
Like most chalice corals, this variety thrives in stable, clean water with consistent major and minor elements. Sudden swings in alkalinity, temperature, or salinity are far more dangerous than slightly imperfect numbers.
- Temperature: 76–78°F (24–26°C)
- Salinity: 1.025–1.026 specific gravity
- Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
- Calcium: 420–460 ppm
- Magnesium: 1300–1400 ppm
- Nutrients: Nitrate 5–15 ppm, Phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm
Feeding can significantly boost growth and color. While the Pink Boobies Chalice will capture dissolved nutrients and fine particulates from the water column, targeted feeding is beneficial.
- Offer fine meaty foods (mysis, reef roids, or similar powders) 1–2 times per week.
- Feed after lights dim, when feeding tentacles are extended.
- Turn off or reduce flow briefly so food can settle on the coral.
Tip: Watch for signs of stress such as receding tissue, exposed skeleton, or a dull, greyish tone. These usually indicate issues with light intensity, nutrient levels, or alkalinity stability.
Compatibility and Long-Term Care
With proper conditions, the Pink Boobies Chalice becomes a long-lived centerpiece coral. It pairs well with other LPS and soft corals, as long as you manage aggression and spacing.
- Coral neighbors: Keep a few inches of space from acans, torches, and other stinging corals.
- Fish choices: Avoid nippy angelfish and certain butterflyfish that may pick at fleshy LPS tissue.
- Maintenance: Maintain regular testing and dosing to keep calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium stable as your coral grows.
For more information on keeping colorful chalice and LPS corals healthy, check out our guides on LPS coral care and reef tank lighting. If you are building a new system around showpiece corals like the Pink Boobies Chalice, our beginner reef tank setup article is a great starting point.