Positioning of Zoas

[Empress]

Hi everybody~
I'm wondering where in their tank does everybody put their zoas? I don't have any as of yet, but I will be getting some in real soon.

I have a 250 Gyre and 3 other powerheads along with the returns for water movement. Do zoas need direct flow or just strong flow around them? Or do they like gentle flow?

And for lighting I have 400 and 250 watt metal halides and some royal blue leds. Should I put them under the 250's? or the 400? I don't want them to burn. But I read somewhere that they like a lot of bright light and strong current, but I want to hear what you guys think. What's the best place for them?

Thanks,
Empress

 

[CodyRVA]

Most zoas/palys can be acclimated to a wide array of lighting. I have mine in anywhere from 200-350 PAR. As far as flow, i've always had the best luck with indirect or gentle. Some larger palys can handle a bit more, like your Sunny D's, but smaller zoas like bam bams or fire and ice don't appreciate high/direct flow. They're usually pretty easy; if they're closed up, they're not happy. Always start on the sand bed and work them higher up.

 

[Deniss]

Most zoas/palys can be acclimated to a wide array of lighting. I have mine in anywhere from 200-350 PAR. As far as flow, i've always had the best luck with indirect or gentle. Some larger palys can handle a bit more, like your Sunny D's, but smaller zoas like bam bams or fire and ice don't appreciate high/direct flow. They're usually pretty easy; if they're closed up, they're not happy. Always start on the sand bed and work them higher up.

Maybe it's usefull to talk about the spectrum you run the lights at, like full blue or full spectrum.

 

[Empress]

Metal halides are full spectrum.

 

[Empress]

Not sure what the par is since I don't have a meter. But they're very strong brand new. I change the bulbs every Christmas. Not to mention very hot. And can't look at them or I'll go blind.

I'll start at the sand bed and work my way up. That's excellent advice. Thanks for the help. [emoji227]