Chalice, Do NOT Grow List...who has em'

[BeakerBob]

I started collecting chalices/echinos/mycediums long before they were popular. At that time, no one would even look at them twice in the LFS and the prices were very reasonable.

I rarely buy any of these corals now due to the highly increased price and the decreased size. My strategy is to either trade now or wait for the fad to fade out and get some nice ones to add to my collection.

In terms of growth, my experience has shown that I cannot grow chalices (generically) that have "thin skin". These are the corals that have a thin layer of tissue and the stone skeleton structure is visible under the thin "skin". These tend to recede over time and die out for me. The "thick skinned" chalices do very well in my tank and have a high survival rate.

 

[REEFSLAIR]

If you go to the right sources you can get very nice whole colonies. We get the same pieces that half the vendors here are hyping with a name, some crazy lighting and/or fancy photography but chop it up to the size of a pencil eraser.

It's not like there is one hole that has the gems of the ocean and the best colors.

eloquently put..

 

[143gadgets]

I couldn't agree more.(quoting both of you) But there out there.
This is a starry night I picked up for 80.00 - 6x5

this is a lava 3.5x3-60.00

No offense, but i doubt those are the gems most are looking for.

If you go to the right sources you can get very nice whole colonies. We get the same pieces that half the vendors here are hyping with a name, some crazy lighting and/or fancy photography but chop it up to the size of a pencil eraser.

It's not like there is one hole that has the gems of the ocean and the best colors.

I agree. BTW when u find some of those gems, please hit me up. I would love to get a couple.

 

[Viva'sReef]

I'm with you Bob...I can't grow chalices like the Stunner, or the Blue one that PJR has. Those types remind me of Caps more than chalices

 

[JR's Reef]

My Pink and my FT are the slowest

 

[REEFSLAIR]

143 gadgets I by no means said these were gems. But I can say these are true hardy and great looking chalices that will last in most tanks. As Bob said, the thin ones rarely make it in most tanks, These are thick skinned. I too would like to have all those beautiful Le, Tyree, Supree, Jokee, Chalices that cost 500.00 a toe nail clipping but they would eventually recede, and 500 buks down the toilet. This way I pay60-80 buks and lasts forever. So while I am still looking at my 60 chalice in my tank, the guy with the 500 chalice is crying because he can't figure out Why his chalice is dyeing...
But I agree with you, if anyone ever finds those gems for a decent price, count me in also. It can happen.

 

[REEFSLAIR]

Oh I forgot to mention (143 gadgets) your avatar, is that one of you real pieces? Very Nice. Would you sell me a frag? How Much?

 

[cultivatedcoral]

You might have thought they were gems if they were shot under super actinic lights, super macro closeup with a 12 megapixel camera at the right angle and touched up.

It's not a secret. This is how it's done.

No offense, but i doubt those are the gems most are looking for.

 

[REEFSLAIR]

You might have thought they were gems if they were shot under super actinic lights, super macro closeup with a 12 megapixel camera at the right angle and touched up.

It's not a secret. This is how it's done.

No offense, but i doubt those are the gems most are looking for.

LOL... yeh I used a casio 2 MP and flash is broken.

 

[ddiver]

Oh I forgot to mention (143 gadgets) your avatar, is that one of you real pieces? Very Nice. Would you sell me a frag? How Much?

Here u are talking about how much high end chalices cost and u are inquiring about the pic in his avatar?...no offense but lol..

 

[REEFSLAIR]

exactly! How much do you think he would ask for a frag? 250 for a toe nail clipping. I was being facetious.

I'm sure he got it. I am not hear to offend people this is a forum and we are chatting, hopefully having fun in the mean time.

 

[Viva'sReef]

Guys its obvious that not all chalices are created equal......Yeah there is $60-80 whole colony's out there, they are either just brought in and haven't shown potential, or just dull and plain.

I didn't start the thread to haggle and complain about pricing, it was so people could post non growing chalices, or chalices that are Slow slow slow and give people trouble.

 

[nellahtes]

IMO the FT is the slowest grower and worst shipper. just my opinion though.

 

[REEFSLAIR]

what is FT? sorry can't figure that one out.

 

[Viva'sReef]

That would be the BCP Flame Thrower....which is an amazing looking chalice

 

[ddiver]

That would be the BCP Flame Thrower....which is an amazing looking chalice

I would have to say the FT is my favorite and definitely slowest grower..

 

[ddiver]

exactly! How much do you think he would ask for a frag? 250 for a toe nail clipping. I was being facetious.

I'm sure he got it. I am not hear to offend people this is a forum and we are chatting, hopefully having fun in the mean time.

$250?multiply that by 5 and u might be able to get a frag if are lucky..

 

[Acroholic]

Oh I forgot to mention (143 gadgets) your avatar, is that one of you real pieces? Very Nice. Would you sell me a frag? How Much?

I think that chalice in gadget's avatar is the My Miami from WWC. Pretty much made of Unobtanium right now.
Dave

 

[TCK Corals Verified Sponsor]

Nothing is unobtainium if you have the funds to obtain it.

 

[143gadgets]

Sorry for starting trouble. I don't wanna argue about prices. It is what it is. There will always be expensive corals and inexpensive corals. It's up to each hobbyist to choose which to buy.