Newbie question regarding Zoas

[Emarley]

Hello fellow reefers,

New to the hobby and wanting to start adding some corals into my tank. Was looking into getting a few Zoas but read they contain palytoxin and it’s really put me off getting any now after reading how potentially dangerous they can be.
What are people’s thoughts and are they safe for a newbie like me.

Thanks in advance

Dom

 

[James M]

They pose no threat unless your fragging unsafely or boil a rock with them on it

 

[George81]

Just as a precaution wear gloves and safety glasses, you will be fine.

 

[bluesy1213]

Yes for sure! It’s fairly rare when there’s a risk with play toxins. I have seen zoas excrete (actually shoot liquid) when handling or fragging. Just use some decent precautions (maybe some latex gloves and something to protect your eyes) and your fine. I usually don’t worry about my eyes. Just don’t get close when cutting polyps. IMO- these are the best corals to let you know if you’re tank is ready for other coral too.

 

[Emarley]

Regarding wearing gloves and glasses is that only when I would be handling Zoas? if I had Zoas in my tank would I still need gloves and glasses when doing general maintenance on my tank or putting my hands in the water.
Sorry for the newbie questions, new to the hobby and trying to learn as much as possible

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Regarding wearing gloves and glasses is that only when I would be handling Zoas? if I had Zoas in my tank would I still need gloves and glasses when doing general maintenance on my tank or putting my hands in the water.
Sorry for the newbie questions, new to the hobby and trying to learn as much as possible

Don’t worry about the newbie question. We would be super board if no one asked questions. A newbie is only and experienced reefer. Generally maintenance I don’t wear gloves. Moving and grabbing rock with them it can’t hurt.

 

[linkedsilas]

Glasses are when you handle zoas outside of the tank.
Wear gloves outside the tank.
As far as inside , honestly it’s a bacterial nightmare in your tank. A tiny cut could give you a bad infection and it has nothing to do with palytoxins. Some swear by gloves, I do not wear them in my tank but sure as hell wash my hands after. If I have an open cut I don’t Put it in the water

 

[littlebigreef]

+1 on glasses when you're working with them.

I don't use gloves or anything else. Be mindful of touching your mouth or eyes while you're working.

 

[Capitol Reef Corals]

I have tons of zoas and fragged thousands. They really do not pose any harm unless fragging. I've had them ooze their juices on my hand tons of time with nothing side effects. I've even had one squirt in my eye and my eye was just sore for 3 days lol. When you frag just wear eye protection and gloves especially if you have cuts. They are extremely beautiful, can be hardy, and grow fast in the right conditions. Very rewarding corals IMO

 

[EastCoastScaping]

I wouldnt wear gloves when the zoas are in the tank, but if you take them out I would strongly suggest wearing gloves, eye protection and keep the zoas wet, Ive heard where some people say the toxin can get airborn so have a window open and a fan blowing fresh air towards you. Its not anything to worry about if you follow the right precautions. fragging/ dipping or moving, really anytime the zoas leave the tank water, use safety gear.

 

[sfin52]

Ive got zoa and paly in my tank. Like others said wear gloves handling them outside the tank. In the tank you will be fine.

Using a brush on them outside the tank can make poly toxin go airborne.

 

[rhastareefer]

It really depends on the individual variant you're dealing with. Palythoa are more likely to have the toxin I believe and the uglier ones usually have higher concentrations. There was even a study done where captive palythoa have something like 100x's or 1000x's more concentrated toxin than those found in the wild. Treat them with respect and you should be fine. If you feel ill after handling them (I'm talking even moving the rock they're on out of the water for a second, not just fragging), call poison control. I've seen too many LONG time hobbyists that frag these things on a weekly/monthly basis eventually come up with a horror story dealing with these things. Just treat them with respect and keep in mind some variants can be very hazardous to handle.