ZOA heads vanishing

[DC504]

I have a new tank that's been running for about 1.5 months. There are no fish currently (in QT), 2 small Zoa colonies, a hammer, and a cyphastrea frag. This past weekend, I added a small CUC to help stay on top of algae (a dozen hermits, 1 cleaner shrimp, and 2 peppermint shrimp). Both zoa's have been doing quite well up until this morning when I noticed a few less heads then previously counted on one and the other only had a few heads open. Going to run a full barrage of tests when I get home, but I have my suspicions about the peppermint shrimp, as everything has been fine until they were added. Everything I've read so far seems to suggest they could be the culprits, but in general, they don't usually mess with Zoa's? I have been feeding a small amount twice a day to maintain the cycle and keep the CUC fed in the absence of fish.

My question is should I be focusing on the shrimp or do you guys think this could be something else? I did have a partial blockage in in my return plumbing that had my flow cut by 50% for a couple of days, but that has since been resolved

 

[Hitman]

Peppermint shrimp are the devil!!!! Ban them! They have ate my hammers, and zoa’s in the past, the only reason they go in my tank now is to feed my groupers!

 

[DC504]

Great! I have added the invertebrate anti-Christ to my new tank ;Vamp. Now how do I get them out? My scape provides infinite hiding places and I really don't wont to tear up hours of work to get them. I was thinking about getting a Harlequin Tusk much later down the road. Wonder if he'd do the trick, especially if I fed him a bunch of shrimp during quarantine?

 

[Style185]

Never had a problem with peppermint shrimp with zoas years ago they cured an aptasia out break thanks to local trade

 

[DC504]

Well that was my thought process. Have them there in the case aptasia was ever accidentally introduced...

 

[PedroYoung]

I have had peppermint shrimp eat zoas and acans. I got mine out by taking a 1 liter water bottle, cutting the top 1/3 off and inverting it in the body to create a funnel/trap. Put a little brine shrimp or other food in there and they'll climb in through the opening to get the food and not be able to find their way out. Sounds crazy, but it works.

 

[Hitman]

Get a Trigger or puffer and they will be food! Lol

 

[DC504]

I have had peppermint shrimp eat zoas and acans. I got mine out by taking a 1 liter water bottle, cutting the top 1/3 off and inverting it in the body to create a funnel/trap. Put a little brine shrimp or other food in there and they'll climb in through the opening to get the food and not be able to find their way out. Sounds crazy, but it works

I fed them a good bit more yesterday afternoon and today there didn't seem to be any more casualties. I did some late night inspections with a flashlight and only saw one, but he wasn't near any coral. I'm going to keep a close watch and get the trap ready. Going to the LFS this afternoon and will see if they'll take them back if I manage to catch them. Thanks for the suggestion!