FOWLR: Converting to Zoanthid Only Tank

[Bursa]

Just looking for some feedback. I currently have a 72s bowfront FOWLR. I am thinking of converting it to a zoanthid only soft reef.

Here is what I have going right now:

2x54w Nova Extreme T5
AquaC Remora Skimmer (MJ1200)
Magnum HOT filter
2 x Koralia #3
1 x Koralia #4
150w Stealth Heater

Here is what I am thinking of upgrading to:

Aquactinics 36" 5x39w T5 (due to space limitations I need 36" lights rather than 48")

I imagine the updated lighting will be more than enough to keep zoanthids.

I also currently have a Bursa Trigger in there who will remain. He pick at things but has yet to cause any damage...either way, most zoas are hardy enough to stand up to some picking.

I also plan on adding another 50lbs of live rock.

The Trigger eats quite hardily and I have found that the Skimmer + Magnum with carbon keeps things pretty clean...not to mention a 6 hour photoperiod.

Here are my questions:

1. Do I need more flow? My Koralias give me about 2800gph with really no dead spots. A few low flow areas however. I was thinking of adding another Koralia #4. Would this be too much for zoas? I try to keep the Koralias pointing at the glass, surface and middle of the tank to minimize areas of ridiculously high flow.

2. What will the zoanthids do to my bioload? In other words, my experience in the past has been that zoanthids seem to grow a bit BETTER when the water isnt "SPS Pristine". I imagine with the trigger waste the zoanthids would be quite happy. I can always add or remove filtration as needed, but my thoughts are leaning towards possibly removing the Magnum or even Remora if the zoas take off.

Any suggestions, questions or advice is greatly appreciated.

BTW, my inspiration comes from past TOTM (Aug 2003 & Aug 2004)

Thanks

 

[InADream]

Zoas will do ok in any water conditions IMO. I have a ton of zoos in my display tank which I am working on making an SPS tank. The water right now is somewhat pristine, except nitrates. I am removing a ton more nutrients than I am importing, they will be fine with any water...

As for flow your fine, the more flow the longer the skirts of your zoos will be... I have zoos in dead spots and some in high flow areas right next to SPS, so much flow they continually lean.. They are growing like weeds.. Zoos will handle just about anything you give them... I think your biggest problem is the trigger,if he doesnt bother them then your set...

Dream

 

[Bursa]

Thanks for the reply.

I moved around the Koralias a bit so I done think I need more flow at this point.

I think once the zoas get established they should be OK. The trigger seems to pick at the rocks at times but hasnt touched any of the shrooms or button polyps.

 

[mfinn]

I agree with "InADream", that with your plans, the biggest problem would be your trigger.

When you say that zoanthids are hardy enough to stand some picking, , , wait untill you blow your budget going after something really high end, and have him start picking, or even get a "taste" for zoanthids, like some tangs seem to do.

Keep the skimmer.

I think the TOTM has inspired alot of us.

 

[DrBegalke]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11177240#post11177240 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mfinn
I agree with "InADream", that with your plans, the biggest problem would be your trigger.

...
I think the TOTM has inspired alot of us.

I agree in regards to the trigger... inspired us in which way?

 

[mfinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11206038#post11206038 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBegalke
... inspired us in which way?

When I first started keeping zoanthids back in the ealy 90's, I thought that they were cool looking, but limited in color.
Then I started seeing pictures of other peoples zoanthids from different parts of the country, I started to realize that there were great colors out there.
Then the TOTM thread came up with the zoanthid dominated tank and I saw the beauty in a zoanthid only tank.

Maybe it didn't inspire you, but it did inspire me.