so why are chalice the shizzniiitt

scuba taz · Oct 2, 2011

so why are these so popular, they grow very slow they don't change much, at least zoa's open an close, acan's get big an puffy, I just don't see the reason for the excitement behind these, am I missing something... please let me in on it!!!

emerald525 · Oct 2, 2011

I like everything sps, lps, softies including zoanthids and chalices. Chalices are popular IMO for the following reasons:
1. They grow well under many different lighting conditions
2. The growing slow can be a plus to a hobbyist who has limited tank space and has had the experience of having his tank grown over with zoas.
3. They come in an incredible array of colors that can just glow under certain conditions
4. They do change just watch them during feeding time and the tentacles snatching up food.
5. Depending on the chalice they can be relatively hardy and do not require the pristine conditions that sps often demand.

euphoricgear · Oct 3, 2011

are these the same reason why they are so expensive?

Gitsoe · Oct 3, 2011

Im not into chalices much but I like watching them eat and seeing the sweepers come out at night.

Dave3112 · Oct 3, 2011

euphoricgear said:
are these the same reason why they are so expensive?

No the expense comes from that age old economic theory of "supply and demand". A lot of people want it and sometimes only a few have it. :xd:

Salty Dog · Oct 3, 2011

for me its the wide range of varities, the colors are amazing, no words can describe dome of these corals

scuba taz · Oct 3, 2011

what is the dome you are talking about?

Flake · Oct 3, 2011

I believe that is "words cannot describe SOME of these corals."

nixer · Oct 3, 2011

Dave3112 said:
No the expense comes from that age old economic theory of "supply and demand". A lot of people want it and sometimes only a few have it. :xd:

supply and demand does not apply to hobbys

Tyrrell109 · Oct 3, 2011

^ Supply and demand doesnt apply in Hobbies???? Ok.......

akabryanhall · Oct 3, 2011

Supply and demand is a major part of hobbies. Baseball cards, toy trains/cars. The rare ones always go for more.

I think chalices can be very beautiful although I can't seem to get into some of them, any of the splash type chalices just don't do it for me.

Dave3112 · Oct 3, 2011

nixer said:
supply and demand does not apply to hobbys

Seriously?! I hope that is a joke. Really?!

SD Actuary · Oct 3, 2011

Oh man, this is about to get good.

myzislow · Oct 3, 2011

I like chalices because they are on of the few corals out there that have so much variety and color combinations available, much like sps corals. Such a vast number of amazing pieces out there, too many in fact.

scuba taz · Oct 3, 2011

ok so I've have three, an have never seen them feed or seen the sweepers at night or day, how often do they need to feed? and what are you feeding?

Onedesign1 · Oct 3, 2011

chalices just aren't for everyone...just like SPS aren't for everyone...just like LPS aren't for everyone...just like zoa's aren't for everyone. For me I like most everything, so long as it has great colors. I do love chalices though. Supply and demand are indeed part of the hobby. Why does a My Miami chalice go for $600 an eye? Well, it looks awesome, is a slow grower, and isn't found very frequently. How much do Sopranos or Bowsers go for? Anyone? More than I would spend personally for a polyp that has less a chance of living than a chalice but people collect high end items and just like the My miami those polyps are hard to get. At the same time there are a plethora of colorful no name chalices that can be had cheap that look awesome. So if you don't like chalices don't collect them i suppose but they aren't all expensive either...just like zoa's...and some are very expensive, just like zoa's.

Mine feed at night but each one is different...some have long sweepers up to an inch long, others extend maybe just a 1/8", some just puff up around the mouths. I don't feed direct but put cyclops in 2 or 3 times a week. Others feed direct as well.