problem with a few zoas

reefpeeper · Dec 10, 2009

what would cause some of the stalks on my zoas/palys to be long. i feed daily and they are not wanting more light because they are directly under a 175w mh in 20L.

650-IS350 · Dec 10, 2009

How high is the MH off the tank? and what 's the placement of the polyps in the tank? sandbed/mid high, top of the rocks???

reefpeeper · Dec 10, 2009

the placement is high and light is probly 8" above

Stray32 · Dec 10, 2009

That is usually a sign of a need for more light. Which zoas/palys are doing this? Some of mine have been extended ever since I bought them, but seem happy otherwise.

reefpeeper · Dec 10, 2009

my candy apple reds, a couple gobstoppers and aog.

650-IS350 · Dec 10, 2009

high as in top of the highest placement of rocks?

Nanofins · Dec 10, 2009

My gobstoppers and AOG's do this all the time. They still grow like weeds and have great color. I wouldn't worry. The CAR's have short stalks for me, but it could be something harmless with them. True that it often means they are stretching for more light, but it could be something else too. How 'bout flow?

reefpeeper · Dec 10, 2009

good flow also.

Stray32 · Dec 10, 2009

Did you get the CA Reds from me? I can't remember. I got them as a frag with only a few polyps, and for months they were overextended. I moved the colony when it got a bit bigger, and it has settled in nicely in its new spot. It's not any higher/lower in the tank, but I think it is getting more flow now, so perhaps you should try a spot with greater flow.

GrouperGenius · Dec 10, 2009

My AOG's have allways been long stalked. I would start to freak out if they were otherwise. My CAR's are about medium.

reefpeeper · Dec 10, 2009

Stray32 said:
Did you get the CA Reds from me? I can't remember. I got them as a frag with only a few polyps, and for months they were overextended. I moved the colony when it got a bit bigger, and it has settled in nicely in its new spot. It's not any higher/lower in the tank, but I think it is getting more flow now, so perhaps you should try a spot with greater flow.

i did get em from you i think

reefpeeper · Dec 10, 2009

guess if their open and look good i shouldn't worry

Stray32 · Dec 10, 2009

reefpeeper said:
guess if their open and look good i shouldn't worry

Yep :wink:

Wy Renegade · Dec 10, 2009

True AoG surprizes me with how much like it actually prefers before becoming short stalked. Here's my AoG which is on my overflow, about 16" below and off to the side of my single 250w MH light;

Here's a couple polyps that are directly centered under the MH light and on top of the rocks, so about 6 inches below the water's surface;

Sorry for the quality of the pictures, but you get the idea. The ones directly under the light are the only ones that have ever been short-stalked in my tank, and even they have about a 1/4 stalk showing by the end of the lighting period.