Scared of Zoa

[Canadian Carl]

Hi Everyone,

My first post! I've never kept Marine fish before but I grew up with my dad breeding African Cichlids. We would typically have 6-8 tanks at a time in our house and to me a home doesn't feel the same without a tank! I always asked my dad to get some saltwater friends but he was, and still is, dedicated to his cichlids.

A few months ago I bought a used 13.5 Gallon Nano tank, stocked with a few things. I can post more pictures soon. It had quite a lot of algae when I got it, and it still does because I've only done a few water changes.

I want to put a bit more effort into getting it clean, so I plan to do a lot more regular water changes, as well as pick out the green algae bubbles that seem to proliferate.

Heres my concern - I was doing some searching today on how to help the Zoa become a bit more healthy looking and I came across lots of articles regarding Palytoxin. Is there anyone that can ID my Zoa to see if its one i should be concerned about? (Palthoa I think). I've searched around and my guess is its a Moon Polyp, but I'm really not sure. For reference the Zoa cluster is about 3" across.

thanks!

 

[albano]

Welcome... hopefully someone can ID those for you

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R! Theyre only dangerous if you're cutting them or boiling or scrubbing them. Basically dont get them mad and you'll be fine but always practice good PPE

 

[Daddy-o]

I would not be overly concerned. Don't cook it, eat it, or abuse it and use some common sense and you should be ok. Me I would chuck it 'cause there are prettier corals to be found.

 

[ReeferWarrant]

Like above, wear gloves when handling them.

 

[LegendaryCG]

Gloves and I found a bio face shield on amazon as they can squirt if you frag them. It absolutely has saved me from taking a shot to the face.

 

[ScottR]

If you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you. Just don’t disturb them and if you do, be careful. Wear gloves, wash hands, etc.

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R!!! All Zoa's can be dangerous when cutting, but don;t let that keep you from having them, they are also beautiful.

 

[Canadian Carl]

thanks everyone for your hospitality.

Is it worth me posting the ID question in the ID section?

 

[Retro Reefer]

 

[Bryson.bobby]

Welcome to R2R

 

[ScottR]

thanks everyone for your hospitality.

Is it worth me posting the ID question in the ID section?

Those look like typical brown palys. Perhaps there’s a designer name but that’s what I call them.

 

[Brad Waddell Wrath's Reef]

Welcome to R2R! As mentioned above, use caution when handling, PPE and frag while they are in water to prevent squirting. Wash your hands and enjoy them. I have around 30 different Zoas/Palys in my 150 and have not had any issues.

 

[Retro Reefer]

thanks everyone for your hospitality.

Is it worth me posting the ID question in the ID section?

FWIW those look kinda like Texas trash paly’s and can be one of the more risky ones to have in your tank. That said follow advice given above and you will be ok. I always wear gloves and eye protection when handling any Zoa’s or paly’s.

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

I wouldn't worry about Palytoxins either. It is airborne in the first place, and usually people that are affected, are the ones boiling Live Rock inside their house.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I find them to be toxic not when handled but when Mis-Handled. Key is to place them where they will remain and rnjoy them rather than moving them around often

 

[Ippyroy]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[DMG Reef]

Welcome to R2R! Lots of good advice above about your palys. Good luck.

 

[BeejReef]

Welcome

Most of the common ones are pretty safe, but it's one of those things. Even if everyone here says harmless, you're still not gonna want to kiss them or boil the rock

Nice thing about saltwater is that I notice an open cut on your hand pretty quick

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to R2R!!!