Zoas Stretching

tanksoftwiddy · Oct 31, 2022

afternoon all. My zoas have all started to stretch out like there are reaching for something. I have attached photos. I have had some tank chemistry issues from a bad test kit, but am fixing that currently. Any experience as to why zoas do this would be greatly appreciated! I have them at different heights in the tank where they are getting different light and flow so I figure it’s gotta be something else. My GSP have not been opening either.
Thanks!

D3DPrintedThingz · Oct 31, 2022

Moooooore light

Kristopher Conlin · Oct 31, 2022

In my experience zoas stretch when they are reaching for light and flow.

shakacuz · Oct 31, 2022

has there been any changes to light, tempt, or flow?

how long ago did you realize the bad test kit? this could just be a reaction to water parameters changing

BZOFIQ · Oct 31, 2022

They're looking for T5s

tanksoftwiddy · Oct 31, 2022

Thanks all. So, after I took some photos I realized they had a ton of white crap on them. I think during my kalk over dose a ton of percipitate landed in the colonies. I blew a ton of crap off and I think they already look happier.
I’m also gonna crank up my light, but my par readings are good so not as worried about that. Have a clam on the bottom of the tank that is happy.

D3DPrintedThingz · Oct 31, 2022

BZOFIQ said:
They're looking for T5s

Sooooooo true. One of the truest lol. Can add 4 T5 light for under $200 bucks , best money I spent . Also kept my LEDs but wut a diff

Koh23 · Oct 31, 2022

Well, not always more light....

It all depends how long are zoas in your tank/lighting.....

If this is new addition, then probably yes, too weak light. If, like in my case, zoas are some time in tank, and then started to strech, then something else is going on.

What? Really cannot help, this i still didnt figure out....

tanksoftwiddy · Oct 31, 2022

Koh23 said:
Well, not always more light....

It all depends how long are zoas in your tank/lighting.....

If this is new addition, then probably yes, too weak light. If, like in my case, zoas are some time in tank, and then started to strech, then something else is going on.

What? Really cannot help, this i still didnt figure out....

They aren’t new. Been in the tank for years. It’s gotta be something with my chemistry and any soft/lps because my hammer isn’t acting right either. But look, I’m always looking for an excuse to buy new lights, may just have to try it…..

vetteguy53081 · Oct 31, 2022

tanksoftwiddy said:
afternoon all. My zoas have all started to stretch out like there are reaching for something. I have attached photos. I have had some tank chemistry issues from a bad test kit, but am fixing that currently. Any experience as to why zoas do this would be greatly appreciated! I have them at different heights in the tank where they are getting different light and flow so I figure it’s gotta be something else. My GSP have not been opening either.
Thanks!

They are seeking light (brighter in most cases) but do not require the light of SPS
Go in 5% increment until they seem satisfied

Koh23 · Oct 31, 2022

Have same problem, and still no clue what makes them strech, specially if they are in tank for some time....

It could be light issue, sure, but.....

xCry0x · Oct 31, 2022

In most cases, softies/LPS stretch upwards when they want more light.

In the second picture, it looked like you have a chalice coral cupping upwards (bottom left of picture). That growth pattern tells me:
1) Enough light to grow
2) Coral still wants more

That isn't a bad thing since its clearly growing. But mine, for example, tend to grow flat/downwards since they get hit with a lot of light.

That all said, I have sunny-d zoas that are sitting in ~200 par and still stretch about 1.5"-2" upwards. They grow like a weed, so I wouldn't immediately say its a light "problem".

tanksoftwiddy · Oct 31, 2022

xCry0x said:
In most cases, softies/LPS stretch upwards when they want more light.

In the second picture, it looked like you have a chalice coral cupping upwards (bottom left of picture). That growth pattern tells me:
1) Enough light to grow
2) Coral still wants more

That isn't a bad thing since its clearly growing. But mine, for example, tend to grow flat/downwards since they get hit with a lot of light.

That all said, I have sunny-d zoas that are sitting in ~200 par and still stretch about 1.5"-2" upwards. They grow like a weed, so I wouldn't immediately say its a light "problem".

Thanks. That’s a Hollywood stunner that grows at an insane rate. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was the size of a silver dollar in June of 2021.
Thanks for the advice on the zoas. I think I’ll keep getting that participate out and will mess with some lights.

xCry0x · Nov 1, 2022

tanksoftwiddy said:
Thanks. That’s a Hollywood stunner that grows at an insane rate. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was the size of a silver dollar in June of 2021.
Thanks for the advice on the zoas. I think I’ll keep getting that participate out and will mess with some lights.

Awesome growth!

I love how chalices have different growth patterns in different tanks.

ninjamyst · Nov 1, 2022

Zoas also stretch when they are stressed or unhappy. It's not always about light. Zoas don't even need that much light to begin with. It can be lack of nutrients, water parameters out of whack, pests, or many other things. Check your nutrients and water parameters first.

tanksoftwiddy · Nov 3, 2022

Update—I blew off the zoas again and alot of stuff came off. They looked happier for a bit, but the white stuff is back. Is this the dreaded zoa pox? It’s on every colony I can see, but it does blow off.