Zoa help

josbur63 · Mar 23, 2021

I tried 3 frags of zooanthids a few months ago and they melted in 2 days.They were mid to lower in tank with 250watt metal halides.parameters were 1.026 salinity,10dkh,1280 mag,450 calcium,nitrates at 1 and phosphates 0.Cant seem to do LPS either,they wont open at all.Where as my SPS are doing great.I have a small group of Palythoa from years ago,but they dont multiply.I am thinking nitrates and phosphates too low?

Wasabiroot · Mar 23, 2021

Zooanthids like some nutrients in the water. I would aim for at least 5 ppm nitrates and above zero phosphates. In fact, most LPS do well with some measurable nitrate and phosphate. In the wild, more than 90% of reefs have greater than 0 phosphate. Just stay under 0.7 - 0.1. I'd also take a look at your flow. They like a bit of flow to prevent detritus buildup, especially as the colony grows. Also, if you are running metal halides, I would take my time adjusting the zoas to that light intensity. How deep is your tank?

Reefing_addiction · Mar 23, 2021

Along with what the previous poster said I would raise your mag a bit.

Do you run a skimmer?
How big is your tank?
Do you know the par in different areas of your tank?

You may also want a ICP test.

Iodide (better then dosing iodine because it is in the form that corals take up) is something I add to my tank, mainly for my zoas and they seem to like it?

josbur63 · Mar 23, 2021

The tank is a 150,60x24 x24.Aquamaxx skimmer,mag has been raised to 1350 since,but the lps are still closed but alive.I dose essential elements once a week,15ml.I have gotten more fish and have been feeding more,but nitrates and phosphates stay put.I must mention I run phosphate and nitrate pads in my sump return section and in a Fluval FX4,so will probably eliminate the ones in return section.

josbur63 · Mar 23, 2021

Good flow,absolutely no algae to speak of.Bubble tips do well,as well as mushrooms and gsp.

Reefing_addiction · Mar 23, 2021

Some people, rather some systems just don’t grow some things.

@vetteguy53081

vetteguy53081 · Mar 23, 2021

The MH intensity may be too much for the zoa and LPS. try reducing light cycle time or try to filter tha light to a lower PAR.
These all have one thing in common:
Moderate light and water flow. Your alk seems a tad high. Recommended. . . . . .

Temp 77-79
ph 8.1-8.3
salinity 1.025
nitrate < .4
phos < .04
Ammonia < .03
mG 1300
Alk 8-9
CA 440

josbur63 · Mar 23, 2021

I have since added a screened top and raised my metal halides to 9 inches.They were 6 inches from water surface during my first try,only because I was using included legs.So I will try eliminating a few filter pads,while possibly lowering alk to around 9.,and start them off in the sandbed.Thanks for all the suggestions.

Reefing_addiction · Mar 23, 2021

josbur63 said:
I have since added a screened top and raised my metal halides to 9 inches.They were 6 inches from water surface during my first try,only because I was using included legs.So I will try eliminating a few filter pads,while possibly lowering alk to around 9.,and start them off in the sandbed.Thanks for all the suggestions.

So honestly I run my alk at 10-11 and my mag at 1500

I would start with moving your lights up. Maybe even another couple inches. Maybe removing a few filter pads.

Don’t mess with the other stuff.
Don’t start dosing or stop that can cause shock.

Give everything a few weeks to a month.

If you want to change numbers in alk and mag take your time with it.