Poly toxins

[Bruce7267ad]

So to the zoa's release poison just randomly or how does this work with them if your water parameters are rapidly changing will that cause them to release toxins in the water? I take it I should always have gloves on not only for the poison but I don't introduce any contaminants into the tank itself.

 

[romperstomper]

they are only really a problem if messed around with ,like fragging but they can spit if removed from the water so watch your eyes ,carbon should remove anything from the water .

 

[James M]

Don’t unsafely frag them, eat them, or boil a rock with them on it. And you won’t be exposed to it

 

[tripdad]

I always make my wife or another family member aware of the symptoms because if I get them they are probably going to be the ones trying to figure out what's wrong with me, not me. Also, don't be overly concerned about it. Just use caution and good safety practices and you will be fine.

 

[ScottR]

IMO, zoas aren’t dangerous like palythoas are. I’ve played around with zoas so much and never experienced a thing. Never had reefing buddies have problems either. Not to say don’t worry but, don’t worry

It’s the brown palys that seem to bring out the toxins.

 

[A. grandis]

So to the zoa's release poison just randomly or how does this work with them if your water parameters are rapidly changing will that cause them to release toxins in the water? I take it I should always have gloves on not only for the poison but I don't introduce any contaminants into the tank itself.

Zoathids in general "zoas", "palys", etc... may give you a huge trouble because of palytoxin, period! Every zoanthid may or may not carry significant amounts of palytoxin. Should you always wear gloves when you have your hands in the tank? Definitely yes, until you are 100% sure that the organisms you keep have ZERO palytoxin. Let me tell you... it's going to be very, very hard to be 100% certain of that! This is the way to approach the subject!
That is independent of messing up with them, chemicals in the water, etc, etc, etc... And more... they can behave for many years and BOOM!
Always wear gloves! Last thing I want to see is you coming back this thread saying that no one gave you the right advice and you ended up going to the ER and almost died! Protect yourself, your family and your pets! Be serious about it! We already have too many friends here that took it too easy and paid a price for that!
Take care!