Zoa question

[Jeremey’s reef]

I have 10 zoa frags on my frag rack but I can’t say that I’m in love with them all. I am only truly fond of 4 out of 10, the WWC Bob Marley’s, Candy apple Reds, JF Star Gazer’s and a light blue coloration I purchased from Classic City Aquarium’s (Great Store). My question is, is there a reason zoas won’t open? I have a grand total of 17 zoa frags in my 29g but only 9 of them seem to be happy. I doubt that there is a timing factor that comes into play here as I have had some for over a month that just won’t open up versus my candy apple red frag that I purchased from a member just two days ago that seems to be as happy as a kid in a candy store. All advice/input welcomed.....

 

[ZapataInc]

I have 10 zoa frags on my frag rack but I can’t say that I’m in love with them all. I am only truly fond of 4 out of 10, the WWC Bob Marley’s, Candy apple Reds, JF Star Gazer’s and a light blue coloration I purchased from Classic City Aquarium’s (Great Store). My question is, is there a reason zoas won’t open? I have a grand total of 17 zoa frags in my 29g but only 9 of them seem to be happy. I doubt that there is a timing factor that comes into play here as I have had some for over a month that just won’t open up versus my candy apple red frag that I purchased from a member just two days ago that seems to be as happy as a kid in a candy store. All advice/input welcomed.....

Umm just throwing something out there....Maybe lighting or flow?

 

[ZapataInc]

I say lighting because Im assuming that the frag rack is one of the magnetic ones that hang on the glass. People usually put those around the mid-point or higher in the tank. Again I am assuming. But you know what they say about when you assume.

 

[Jeremey’s reef]

Umm just throwing something out there....Maybe lighting or flow?

If this is so does that mean different zoas have different requirements to thrive? If so would the same prove to be true for my candy canes?

 

[Jeremey’s reef]

I say lighting because Im assuming that the frag rack is one of the magnetic ones that hang on the glass. People usually put those around the mid-point or higher in the tank. Again I am assuming. But you know what they say about when you assume.

Yes I do know what they say about assuming, I think flow is in a decent place as of now, maybe I can try lowering my frag rack it is sort of in the middle portion of the tank

 

[ZapataInc]

If this is so does that mean different zoas have different requirements to thrive? If so would the same prove to be true for my candy canes?

Well from my experience...Im seeing slowed growth out of my Zoas in my new system that has more PAR as far as lighting. When I had my 40Nuvo running with one Hydra 26 HD (Running BRS AB+Settings) my Zoas were stretched out and growing pretty fast. Now With my 90gal with 2 Hydra 52 HDs (Running BRS AB+ Settings) my Zoas are not stretching and the growth has slowed down. So for me and my system...yes.

 

[ZapataInc]

Yes I do know what they say about assuming, I think flow is in a decent place as of now, maybe I can try lowering my frag rack it is sort of in the middle portion of the tank

Yeah I would try that. And Ive moved around some of my corals to different spots in my tank if they do not look happy to see if there are better places for it.

 

[popsbjd]

Yes, some zoas prefer higher light or flow than others (and some like lower light and flow). How long have they been closed? Could just be adjusting. If it hasn't been that long, just let them adjust. The second best thing would be to move them around to find the best place for them.

 

[Jeremey’s reef]

Thanks for your help, and I’m still interested in those dog tags btw

 

[york1]

Did you dip them for pests before putting them in your tank? You can also try dipping them again

 

[ZapataInc]

Thanks for your help, and I’m still interested in those dog tags btw

Oh shoot I totally forgot. Let me see if the machine I was using is available. Sorry about that.

 

[Jeremey’s reef]

Yes, some zoas prefer higher light or flow than others (and some like lower light and flow). How long have they been closed? Could just be adjusting. If it hasn't been that long, just let them adjust. The second best thing would be to move them around to find the best place for them.

It’s been 3 weeks or so in some cases

 

[Jeremey’s reef]

Did you dip them for pests before putting them in your tank? You can also try dipping them again

I did, I dipped them in Coral RX. Maybe the dip mixture was too strong and had a negative impact

 

[popsbjd]

It’s been 3 weeks or so in some cases

Do they not open at all or just don't open as much as they others?

 

[Jeremey’s reef]

Do they not open at all or just don't open as much as they others?

I have 2 frags that only a few polyps partially open I have never seen a single polyp on these two fully open on either of these frags during this three week period

 

[wake125122]

Check your iodine lvls as well. Once I added a bit of that to my tank a lot of my zoas perked right up. I did an ICP test though.

 

[spike]

Any fish possibly picking at them? Also look for Zoanthid eating nudi’s or nudi eggs on polyps. Eggs will be laid in a circular pattern. They need good flow but not blasted. I would suggest another dip, clean the polyp with a soft tooth brush since closed. Could have a algae buildup since they have been closed awhile.

 

[Jeremey’s reef]

Check your iodine lvls as well. Once I added a bit of that to my tank a lot of my zoas perked right up. I did an ICP test though.

I’m not sure if I have any equipment to test iodine

 

[Jeremey’s reef]

Any fish possibly picking at them? Also look for Zoanthid eating nudi’s or nudi eggs on polyps. Eggs will be laid in a circular pattern. They need good flow but not blasted. I would suggest another dip, clean the polyp with a soft tooth brush since closed. Could have a algae buildup since they have been closed awhile.

Maybe one of the wrasse but I haven’t seen that for myself

 

[wake125122]

Could just eliminate one more thing for you. Not a bad idea just to send out for an ICP test anyways. It is always nice to know what is in your water.