WYSWIYG John Deer Chalice

010 – John Deere Chalice

Scientific Name: Echinophyllia spp.
Type: LPS Coral

Overview

This WYSIWYG frag of the John Deere Chalice displays the classic deep green base with vibrant neon yellow-green eyes. Known for its bold contrast and low, encrusting growth, this chalice adds serious color to the lower regions of your reef. It's a collector-favorite variety, easily recognized and admired under both white and actinic lighting.

Chalice corals like this one thrive in moderate light and flow, and they’re best placed in stable systems with careful nutrient management. Once established, they grow outward in a smooth, encrusting plate, developing more vivid eye coloration over time.

Care Requirements

Lighting:
Low to moderate (PAR 75–150). Too much light may bleach the green base or dull the eyes.

Water Flow:
Low to moderate. Gentle, indirect flow is best to avoid tissue recession and allow feeding.

Placement:
Bottom third of the tank on rock or sand. Allow 2” of space around the coral for expansion and to avoid sweeper tentacle stings from neighboring LPS.

Feeding:
Photosynthetic, but responsive to target feeding with reef roids, mysis, or amino acid blends. Feeding enhances color and growth.

Aggression Level:
Moderate. Can extend short sweepers at night—provide space from other corals.

Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate. Encrusts steadily under stable conditions.

Difficulty:
Moderate. Best kept in tanks with consistent parameters and no sharp nutrient swings.

Additional Notes

The John Deere Chalice is prized for its unmistakable coloration and clean, consistent growth pattern. It holds its color well across different lighting setups and will intensify with proper feeding and water quality. While not fast-growing, its stability and visual impact make it a standout in any LPS collection.