Zoa removal

N2theUnknown · Jul 23, 2018

Ok guys, im new to saltwater yet alone corals! I am going to wait to started corals but I bought a used acrylic tank yesterday. It has a 8"x 8" zoa colony on one of the tank walls now the tank was drained abd has been empty for almost 24 hours. My question is what is the best way to remove the zoas? I know there posionus but is it fine after its dried in the sense it cant aerosalize? Whats the best way to get it off of the tank I have a acrylic scraper. Fo I scrape it off dry fill the tank with water and viniger.

Capitol Reef Corals · Jul 23, 2018

When zoas die they usually just melt away in the water column. Have the zoas completely disappeared from the tank after the 24 hour drying period? If not I would guess the best way would be to just fill up the tank with freshwater, leave it there until all of the zoas melt in the water, and dump the water out, then use a razer blade to remove any of the gunk left. Definitely wear gloves and eye protection through the whole process. And don't add any hot water to the tank as it could release the toxins.

n2585722 · Jul 23, 2018

You can use a half mask to be completly safe along with the safety glasses and gloves. Also do it outside. We use the 3M series half maks when cleaning arsinic contaminated parts at work. The one we use has the pink filters. You will have to research which type is best for that paticular job. Also make sure you learn how to use the mask correctly before doing it.

N2theUnknown · Jul 23, 2018

Thanks guys I curently have the tank sitting on my back porch it is covered and has a screen around it but vented pretty good. The zoas just look like little stems. I have goggles and gloves and was going to get a mask. Should i add vinigar (im also trying to get rid of tons of coralline)

Capitol Reef Corals · Jul 23, 2018

N2theUnknown said:
Thanks guys I curently have the tank sitting on my back porch it is covered and has a screen around it but vented pretty good. The zoas just look like little stems. I have goggles and gloves and was going to get a mask. Should i add vinigar (im also trying to get rid of tons of coralline)

I would do a freshwater soak for a day, and then dump the water, fill it up again, and add a vinegar solution for a few hours with a pump to remove calcium and coralline algae.

N2theUnknown · Jul 23, 2018

Stephen Petruzzo said:
I would do a freshwater soak for a day, and then dump the water, fill it up again, and add a vinegar solution for a few hours with a pump to remove calcium and coralline algae.

If you dont mind me asking why freshwater first?

n2585722 · Jul 23, 2018

The water vinegar mix will disolve any calcium left on the tank glass. The first water will get rid of most of the particulate left in the tank. Hopefully you have this on the stand on a sturdy surface when the tank is full. Not sure how big the tank is but it needs to be on a level surface when it has water in it.

WannaBSpaghetti · Jul 23, 2018

Also, if you have a dog or outdoor cat be sure they do not drink the water and be sure to dump the dead zoa water WELL away from anywhere animals might access it. If your dog laps up some of that water off the grass it could be game over for them.

N2theUnknown · Jul 23, 2018

n2585722 said:
The water vinegar mix will disolve any calcium left on the tank glass. The first water will get rid of most of the particulate left in the tank. Hopefully you have this on the stand on a sturdy surface when the tank is full. Not sure how big the tank is but it needs to be on a level surface when it has water in it.

It is a 6 foot long 100 gallon and yes i have 2 pieces of plywood down my deck is pretty level to begin with. And would it be a good idea to empty it into the sewer?

Capitol Reef Corals · Jul 23, 2018

N2theUnknown said:
If you dont mind me asking why freshwater first?

To simply get rid of the zoas for sure (hopefully they melt in the water) without releasing any of their toxins. I'm afraid if you use vinegar with the zoas they could release some toxins.