Zoa noob question

[Brew12]

Wasn't sure if my tank was ready for corals since it just finished cycling but I picked up a couple of cheap frags at a local expo. Didn't want to miss the opportunity to get my first coral pieces since I don't have any great local options.
Two questions that I should have considered before I purchased them. Should I be concerned about putting them on the main rock structure in my tank or should I put them on isolated rocks to limit their spread (if they survive)?
If my water quality isn't good enough, how long before they stop opening up? Only got them 2 days ago but they still look great. Much better than in the picture. Photo skills need some serious work.
Got these and one that is blue with a brownish edge.

 

[webbl19]

What kind of frags did you get? Just zoas? They are pretty hardy normally.

I guess it spends on what your plan is. Do you want your zoas isolated? It will probably take awhile for them to spread, I see a new head on mine every 1 or 2 weeks, depending on the type. I have some slow growers and then some that grow fast. They aren't like GSP, isolate that stuff, when it takes off it will take over. Pain in the butt to scrap it off also.

These helms deep all had 3 new heads pop at the same time. You can see them at the base.

 

[Brew12]

What kind of frags did you get? Just zoas? They are pretty hardy normally.

I guess it spends on what your plan is. Do you want your zoas isolated?

Just those 2 zoas for now and a small (damaged/free) acro frag. I wish I had a plan. The timing of this event was such that I didn't have time to think this out and research it the way I would have liked. I don't want them isolated but I don't want them taking over my display rock. I would love it if they would fill into around a 6" area just don't want them taking over the tank.

 

[webbl19]

Oh I only see the dragon eyes. Is there another zoa on that plug? It will take awhile for them to spread out 6 inches unless I've been doing something wrong. None of my colonies are that big yet and mines been going for around 1 1/2 years. They can also be peeled off and dragged themselves if they do go outside the zone you want them in.

 

[Brew12]

Oh I only see the dragon eyes. Is there another zoa on that plug? It will take awhile for them to spread out 6 inches unless I've been doing something wrong. None of my colonies are that big yet and mines been going for around 1 1/2 years. They can also be peeled off and dragged themselves if they do go outside the zone you want them in.

Don't have a good picture of the other ones but they are bright blue in the middle on a different plug. Sounds like I am good with where I want to place them. Really appreciate your help!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

IMO. Leave them where you can move them around. Your likely going to be experimenting with flow and light needs.
If and or when they melt. It's likely you won't know exactly why.
Again IMO. It's less science more experience once it comes to the animals.
Perfect apperant Params and light do not a happy ZOA make in all cases.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I isolate mine just because they are invasive and can spread everywhere. Like saltyfilm said, they might need to be positioned differently.

 

[webbl19]

I've decided to let mine go. Seems like when they decide to melt away there isn't much one can really do as it happens fairly quick. At least in my experience, normally get a few survivors so they keep chugging along. I do leave mine down on the sand bed or not glued down for a few weeks until I decide where I want them.

 

[Brew12]

IMO. Leave them where you can move them around. Your likely going to be experimenting with flow and light needs.
If and or when they melt. It's likely you won't know exactly why.
Again IMO. It's less science more experience once it comes to the animals.
Perfect apperant Params and light do not a happy ZOA make in all cases.

Thanks for the advice. I was not planning on gluing the plugs in for awhile so I could move them around. I figure I have quite awhile before they grow to the point that they extend over the edge of the plug. Maybe by then I will have a better idea of what I am doing!

 

[webbl19]

Thanks for the advice. I was not planning on gluing the plugs in for awhile so I could move them around. I figure I have quite awhile before they grow to the point that they extend over the edge of the plug. Maybe by then I will have a better idea of what I am doing!

You say that until you constantly find them upside down in the sand. Crabs have a thing for swinging their fat shells around. That's why I decided to just leave them on my sand bed till I picked a place for them. A frag rack would be good also till you find a permanent home.

 

[rock_lobster]

dragon eyes are one of the fastest growing zoas along with eagle eyes. They can take over a rock very quickly. Great if thats what you want but I would recommend keeping them isolated.