Feeding Zoas

[scubalauren]

I added some Zoas to my tank for the first time. I've never had them before, but heard you're suppose to feed them. Well, I attempted to feed them last night with no luck. I turned off my pump and Protein Skimmer. I dipped my arm way down into the tank with the Zoo Plankton bottle (i know i need a turkey baster) and lightly squeezed the bottle close to the Zoas. Well, all I could tell is that they closed up. I kept the pump and PS off for about 30 min just in case. They opened back up so then i thought I would try some brine shrimp. No luck there either but I really didn't think there would be. What do you do to feed your Zoas?

 

[brandon2432]

That is them eating they close up and then open back up. You don't have to feed them very often. Normally when you feed your tank they will pick it up I don't target feed my zoas.

 

[mebo926]

Mine are getting bigger and never feed them, Im pretty sure I over feed my fish so they get enough

 

[mltmtascp]

We don't target feed ours. Like mebo we over feed the fish and they get enought.

 

[scubalauren]

Cool! Thanks!

 

[Mariner]

Eric Borneman writes in his book Aquarium Corals:
"Zoanthus colonies are highly dependent on their zooxanthellae--rather than feeding on zooplankton--for energy, and should always be placed in the aquarium where they will receive bright lighting." (p. 187).
Later he states:
"The aquarist may not have to be overly concerned with feeding these animals, as the zoanthids have been found to feed largely on bacteria, algae and dissolved organic material." (p. 188)

FWIW, I've never target fed mine. Had them for about six years and they've spread all over the tank.
HTH,
Mariner

 

[wpecoul]

If you wanted to try to feed them specifically, I think you'd end up better off if you just fed the whole tank something like Reed's Oyster Feast, DT's Oyster Eggs, or Reef Chili and let them 'grab' it themselves. It's a fine line between puffing something towards them so they can grab it and puffing too hard so that it makes them close up too quickly.

That said, light and particulates from regular fish feeding are probably more than enough to grow them and keep them happy.