Is my tank ready for Zoas?

Aggie1978 · Jan 20, 2021

My tank (105 gallon) is 10 weeks "old". Parameters - Salinity 1.023, Nitrates 0, Nitrates 5, ALK 7.8, Calcium 430, Magnesium 1140. I have had large GSP and 2 Clownfish for 5 weeks and are all doing great. I would like to introduce some Zoas and maybe 1 more fish (Lawnmower Blenny or Yellow Tang?). Am I rushing things? Should I wait a bit more?

moz71 · Jan 20, 2021

I would go for it. But I would get a cheap small frag first to see how it adapts before buying more expensive ones. If gsp doing well Zola should be fine. Also one small fish in a105 will be fine

MohrReefs · Jan 20, 2021

If its priced 10-15$ for the frag, its probably a rapid grower and bullet proof. From experience, I would wait and get one you really want with more stable parameters. I lost a good amount of corals soon from adding too early. Its worth the wait, just take it slow.

TrevorL · Jan 20, 2021

I think it would be fine to put zoas In the tank. I have zoas in my tank now and my nitrates are higher as well as magnesium but they’re all doing fine and growing fast and well! If you want to be safe go to your lfs and find a cheaper zoa frag that you like to test it out that’s what I did.

MohrReefs · Jan 20, 2021

Yeah go with a cheap one, theyre cheap for a reason. But I'd probably isolate it to its own rock, because again, theyre cheap for a reason lol.

vetteguy53081 · Jan 20, 2021

A few adjustments and you can give it a shop.

Zoa like moderate light and water flow

Temp 77-79
salinity 1.024-1.025
ph 8.1-8.3
alk 8-9
mag 1300
CA 440
nitrate < .04
phos < .40
Ammonia < .03

Your nitrates /nitrites zero and ammonia low. At 10 weeks, you should be showing something.
I assume youre using API test kits?

Aggie1978 · Jan 21, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
A few adjustments and you can give it a shop.

Zoa like moderate light and water flow

Temp 77-79
salinity 1.024-1.025
ph 8.1-8.3
alk 8-9
mag 1300
CA 440
nitrate < .04
phos < .40
Ammonia < .03

Your nitrates /nitrites zero and ammonia low. At 10 weeks, you should be showing something.
I assume youre using API test kits?

Using the Salifert test kits