Can I just snip off a zoa polyp?

[Just John]

I have a single zoa polyp that is about to cover up part of another zoa colony. It would be a real pain to remove it properly. Can I just cut it off at the stem without causing problems?

 

[ou12004]

There is a chance it will die but it can be done

 

[Sharkbait19]

It would probably just continue to spread if you just cut it and do nothing. You'd have to cut it then put glue over it to starve it. Or just put glue over the mouth. If you cut it, be very careful, as zoas are toxic.

 

[Just John]

I should have included this - are there any concerns about palytoxin killing other corals?

 

[Sharkbait19]

I should have included this - are there any concerns about palytoxin killing other corals?

There is, although I've never had a problem there. I would perform the operation outside of the main system, if possible.

 

[NoahLikesFish]

Yeah u will crash ur tank and you will probably die too if you do that

 

[Sharkbait19]

Yeah u will crash ur tank and you will probably die too if you do that

Well, that's why one should wear a mask, goggles, and gloves whenever cutting zoanthids.

I think it should be safe in the tank, just make sure you are running carbon and do a water change afterwards.

 

[NoahLikesFish]

my friend knows someone who almost died from doing this.

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

Yeah u will crash ur tank and you will probably die too if you do that

I highly doubt that. There’s only 2 strains that are bad and both are ugly and hardly seen these days. I’ve been fragging zoas for years and only use eye protection. Scalpel or aqua saw is best for fragging zoas.

 

[Sharkbait19]

my friend knows someone who almost died from doing this.

It can happen, but if one remains cautious, they should be okay. As long as you're not hacking away at zoas or playing with them too much, the risk is somewhat low. It's definitely there, though, and should be greatly considered whenever handling palythoa.

 

[Sharkbait19]

I highly doubt that. There’s only 2 strains that are bad and both are ugly and hardly seen these days. I’ve been fragging zoas for years and only use eye protection. Scalpel or aqua saw is best for fragging zoas.

+1. The terrible strains will really only be found in wild zoas, not the designer and captive grown morphs.

 

[Just John]

I know I might die, but it's the corals that matter!

 

[NoahLikesFish]

I’d use aptasia x imo

 

[Arcflash_207]

Yeah u will crash ur tank and you will probably die too if you do that

Wrong

 

[Sharkbait19]

I know I might die, but it's the corals that matter!

Stay safe!!

 

[Just John]

I’d use aptasia x imo

That's a good point. If I do one polyp I don't think it should effect the rest of the colony or am I wrong?

 

[Sharkbait19]

That's a good point. If I do one polyp I don't think it should effect the rest of the colony or am I wrong?

I would avoid aiptasia x for the one polyp. Although effective in eliminating invasive palys, if it is super close to the other zoas, you're likely going to lose a few.

 

[Patientman]

my friend knows someone who almost died from doing this.

Truly depends on an individual's immune system. Some people die from bee stings, eating peanuts or coming in contact with latex products. Always use protection (sounds like health class in high school ) … being careful should be all the protection you need.

 

[NoahLikesFish]

That's a good point. If I do one polyp I don't think it should effect the rest of the colony or am I wrong?

If it’s isolated I’d doubt it. Mabye take a knife slice the coral off then take a chisel and chip off as little as possible that the zoa is on and make it a colony or do whatever with it

 

[Fish Think Pink]

I would avoid aiptasia x for the one polyp. Although effective in eliminating invasive palys, if it is super close to the other zoas, you're likely going to lose a few.

What if you used Frank's F-Aiptasia to cover it? That gives control on where it is placed