Help with Zoeys Lost Color

[reefified]

Alright, here is the situation, I have had my 60 gallon rimless set up for about 9 months at this time. The entire tank was looking awesome. I check the parameters and all have remained stable and in good shape for months. All my sps, lps, and zoeys as well as snails, shrimp, fish, etc. appeared to be living the good life. My setup is a 60 gallon rimless, 30 gallon sump with refugium, skimmer, reactor with carbon, macro algea and live rock, heater, etc. In the main tank I have 2-MP40s (dialed down of course), 100 lbs of live rock, a midas blenny, bi-color, pair of clowns (babies), several various shrimp, 100 assorted crabs and snails. ^ or so LSP frage (1-2" in size), 5-6 SPS frags (1-2") a rose BTA, and a nice patch of 15 different zoeys. My lighting was (until yesterday), 2-250 mh w/15k bulbs, 4-T5 actinic and moon lights, now it is 2-reef fanatic LED pendilums.

The "situation" or devastation occured roughly 2 weeks ago. Before I state what I did, I must mention that I realize I should not have done it and will never again do anything like it. I had in my tank a rather dull looking patch of zoeys that was growing out of control. I allowed friends to frag it at will but it was taking over an area i was hoping others would grow into. During my weekly water change, I used my brush I clean with to remove the poor thing. I know, horrible, dangerous, stupid, etc. I know. When the morning came, all the other zoeys were dull in color. They are still dull and slowly some are getting their color back. What, if anything, can I do to get them beautiful again? Have I ruined them all with my ignorant actions?

I am sorry for what I have done and just want to help the survivors get back to the happy times they were having prior to my devastating move. Thanks.

 

[Guygettnby]

water changes and time is about all you can do. carbon will also help but i see your already running a reactor. so i say empty it out and add some fresh carbon too it after you do a water change. the color will slowly come back around.

some others will say to start dosing vit C, but i dont agree with it. this hobby is all about time and patience.

 

[reefified]

Thanks Guy. I will change the carbon more frequently, say each week with the water. I also forgot to mention that I do dose, Kent Coral Vite, add a quart of green water 3 times a week, and other items as needed (i.e. calcium, mag. alk, etc.)

Is there a concern that they are dmaged beyond the point of return? Why di they rest of the tank have no noticable issue with it? Was it due to the close proximity to the deceased?

Thanks.

 

[Guygettnby]

Thanks Guy. I will change the carbon more frequently, say each week with the water. I also forgot to mention that I do dose, Kent Coral Vite, add a quart of green water 3 times a week, and other items as needed (i.e. calcium, mag. alk, etc.)

Is there a concern that they are dmaged beyond the point of return? Why di they rest of the tank have no noticable issue with it? Was it due to the close proximity to the deceased?

Thanks.

no need in changing the carbon that often. i usualy change mine once a month or if i am having some problems i will change it every 2 weeks. i had said change the carbon when you do water changes because you said you scrubed away the patch of zoas with a brush. wich just released all that crap into your tank. there could be many different reasons your zoas are acting the way they are. change in lighting, additives, something irritating them. you can also dip them in some Revive wich usualy helps me in recovery problems. i use revive when i frag and it helps them heal abit quicker.

i see no reason why they are beyond point of no return, but i have also not seen them. just keep up with doing your water changes and such. all should be fine as long as nothing is munching on them or irritating them.

 

[reefified]

I do not see them being messed with other than the occasional hermit crap moving through the garden. is there any way to use the revive in the tank? they are all attached to a large rock that is the base of my setup, not going to be able to dip them. they all open up and look fine other than the pale colors. we will see how things go over the next few weeks. thanks

 

[Guygettnby]

revive is just a dip. it can not be put in the tank. if they seem to be perfectly fine besides the pale colors then i would just give them time and good water conditions. over time they should go back to normal. did you notice the change to them after you changed the lights? or just after you scrubbed the other zoas off of the rock?