Zoas closed up

[ScottR]

Never thought I’d post something like this. Been keeping zoas forever. But every colony in my tank is closed up. Only 2 polyps open on one colony. I have 6 or so colonies spread around the tank. I’ve had these colonies for almost a year and they have grown like weeds. But all other corals look great. I run a mixed reef - lots of SPS, LPS and softies. I do have leathers which make me nervous. My NPS corals couldn’t be happier. Just wondering why the zoas which are never fussy, are being fussy. I tested parameters and they are what they are normally. No change in lighting or flow. Are they planning a prison break?

Also, just changed out carbon.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Maybe check after dark with a red light to make sure nothing is aggravating them.. I think your leathers are less likely to effect Zoa’s, it’s been my experience LPS tend to be the most susceptible to any potential toxins.

 

[DSC reef]

Sounds like possible pests to me.

 

[Bryce M.]

Unless they are just teasing you I'd say somethings bothering them

 

[ScottR]

Sounds like possible pests to me.

The first thing I suspected. But the colonies are all far apart from each other. Usually when something like this happens, it’s localized. I just find it weird that all colonies have done this at the same time while nothing else is affected. But I agree, the first thing I’d suspect is a pest.

 

[DSC reef]

Even though they are far apart it's still localized to zoas so I would keep an eye out for nudibranchs, eggs, asterinas, ect. I'm sure your tanks chemistry is spot on and stable so keep an eye out for pests. Sorry your going through this man. IMO if allelopathy was in play then your SPS and LPS would show signs of distress.

 

[Bonsai reef]

An iodine based dip followed by RO/DI dip for few mins worked for me when i had this issue. Not sure that is an option for you given they are colonies attached to rock.

I have also read iodine supplement works for zoanthids closed up.

 

[DSC reef]

Agree with iodine dips. Iodine dosing is good as long as you can test for it @ScottR Don't want to overdose that.

 

[Salty Lemon]

My tuxedo urchin started bothering my zoas and eventually, my pretty garden that was just starting to grow was picked off little by little. Occasionally I catch him wearing a polyp as a hat. They started closing up after this started. At first I thought it was water, lighting, flow -- you know the drill. But I caught him plowing through them at night.
PS -- if anyone in AZ wants a free tuxedo urchin let me know!

 

[ScottR]

Agree with iodine dips. Iodine dosing is good as long as you can test for it @ScottR Don't want to overdose that.

I am a proponent of iodine dips, but not when I need to remove whole rocks that many corals are encrusted on