How long can zoas stay closed?

[bamf25]

I have several newer zoas that I purchase just under 1 month ago. They opened fairly well for the first few days, and now they are shut tightly and have not really opened in about 1 week. Zoas that have been in the tank for several months are fully extended. This is a mixed reef tank 120g and 9 months old. Parameters nitrate = trace, phosphate = 0.08, ammonia = 0, nitrite = 0, salinity = 1.025, ph = 8.1, Mg = 1350, ca = 425, and alk = 9.5 dkh. They are all under moderate flow, mid level in the tank.

Any idea on how to get the newer ones to open up more?

 

[buddythelion]

Following along since I have the same problem as well.

 

[TjwBlake]

i had a colony that pretty much stayed closed for nearly a month... i was just about to write them off when i moved them to a slightly higher flow area.. they are opening up now and coming right back.

I havent been doing this for long but it seams that for the zoas, if they aren't happy in one spot, you may just need to change something. either move them a little lower/higher in the tank or change the amount of flow on them.

 

[bamf25]

I just bought two new powerheads, and will be changing the flow patter in my tank. See if that helps next week.

 

[KafudaFish]

Newer = week plus no issue.

They have to adjust like any other coral.

As long as they are not covered in mucus etc. not much of an issue.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

I have several newer zoas that I purchase just under 1 month ago. They opened fairly well for the first few days, and now they are shut tightly and have not really opened in about 1 week. Zoas that have been in the tank for several months are fully extended. This is a mixed reef tank 120g and 9 months old. Parameters nitrate = trace, phosphate = 0.08, ammonia = 0, nitrite = 0, salinity = 1.025, ph = 8.1, Mg = 1350, ca = 425, and alk = 9.5 dkh. They are all under moderate flow, mid level in the tank.

Any idea on how to get the newer ones to open up more?

Sorry to hear about your polyp retraction. Retraction is relative to your tank's, maturity, parameters, lighting, health and captive care of new arrivals etc etc. In fact, the list is very long when it comes to possible culprits. Over the years I have seen and heard perfectly healthy polyps literally wither away due to improper, excessive and prematurely frag polyps. Knowing who you buy from and trade with is equally important. Husbandry, and often the lack of, is a strong contributing factor, not saying that is your cause, but it is often possible.


In your case, with it only being 1 week, I wouldn't worry since they did expand after you purchased them. As long as the retracted polyps remain robust with no signs of bleaching or degredation, you are fine. Just keep everything constant and maybe prepare a well aerated water change and a day or 2 of complete darkness. Polyps will periodically retract as a means of external cleaning. Click on the link below and I hope something rings a bell for you. Note # 25 on the list.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1154238&highlight=25+reasons+why

It would be great if you would keep us posted on their progress. Good luck.


Mucho Reef

 

[A. Grandis]

Just for the record...
I've got a small colony that were growing and adapted to the system, but one day decided to close for more than 6 months.
I do remember that I had an algae issue for couple of months and since then it was closing up.
That was when I decided to feed my zoas (algae). That's why I recommend to go slow and target feed.
All other zoas were fine.
Now almost all the polyps are open and it is actually reproducing.
So, it CAN close for months in a row and then open after a while.

I know that f they get internal injuries they can close for months too. Internal damages are the worse for our zoas.

Grandis.