Are Zoas challenging?

[stanleo]

I am becoming more and more interested in Zoas the more I am looking through this forum. Have a couple questions about them.

What is the best choise for a novice reef keeper?

Do they require intence lighting? My tank is standard 55gl with 4 54W T5 bulbs. 2 actenic and 2 daylight bulbs so I have almost 4 watts per gallon. Is that enough light?

What kind of flow do they need?

Do they require supplimental feedings/target feeding? I actually like target feeding, to me this reef keeping stuff isn't work.

I would be happy to read through the best threads or FAQ sheets or articles on them that you know of. Thank you

 

[jonny]

Short answer..you're fine from the sounds of it lol..with the exception of certain higher end zoas, they're insanely easy to care for..in fact the higher end ones are as well, they are just more sensitive. The lights you have should be fine, as for flow..I have some in super low flow, and I've just blasted others with flow, they do NOT need extra feeding..they get it all from the light. Zoas are a good coral from noob to expert reefer..find one you like, and give it a shot.

 

[Eienna]

Interested in any info, as well I'm also looking at getting a couple of zoas when my tank's ready - Rastas and possibly some Sunny D's in particular.

 

[rock_lobster]

Zoas are probably one of the easiest most durable coral to keep. The more expensive seem to be more delicate.... but im sure a large part of that is due to the fact that they are fragged more frequently resulting in greater risk of infection/death.

 

[Steveowhits]

You should search through the Zoa discussion forum on here. You can find lots of information. Some quick advice I would say is learn about zoa pox, zoa fungus, and Zoa predators. If you know all the things that hurt healthy growth you can prepare yourself for a long and fruitful relationship with an amazing little coral. You will probably be successful if you keep alkalinity stable, decent flow (irregular flow producing wavemakers are awesome), and buy healthy specimens with all polyps open.

By researching you are doing things the right way. I wish you luck. Feel free to PM me with any specific questions.

 

[Steveowhits]

This guy planet zoa writes good tips out on the subject . I have not purchased from him but I have read his zoa tips a lot. Good info:
Planet Zoa - Tip of the Day

 

[joshporksandwich]

Zoas are fairly easy. Most of the bigger ones will eat if you spot feed but the smaller ones wont. Your lights should be ok but if you see them stretching is because they need more light. Water changes are your best friend.

 

[JMSKI333]

+1 on them being easy to care for. One of the easiest.

If you were going to invest money in a sweet coral, Zoa's are a good buy because they are less likely to die on you verses a SPS frag or Challice.

 

[tuna_bullet]

Interested in any info, as well I'm also looking at getting a couple of zoas when my tank's ready - Rastas and possibly some Sunny D's in particular.

Lisa i will hook you up on the Rastas and Sunny D,s

 

[stanleo]

Alright thanks guys! I think they will definately be my next corals. I love the whammin watermelon and neclear greens. They have eagles eye on the site that order online from and I will have to see which ones my LFS has. Will have to wait though. I have spent 400 bucks on this tank in the last 2 weeks and my husband is MAAAAAD!

 

[EW_Fish]

Lisa i will hook you up on the Rastas and Sunny D,s

Yeah you need to clean out your garden. lol

 

[Eienna]

Lisa i will hook you up on the Rastas and Sunny D,s

Sweet. I might not need it for the rastas - dodgerblew already offered but I'll see what he says - See you at MAX! Where are you on the floor plan? I wouldn't mind getting over there before you get mobbed.