Id zoa problem

[Lytehouse]

Before I found this forum I bought these guys. So I had no info or experience with dipping and inspection. They have developed 3 issues and after having read in the forums and the disease discussions I'm having a difficult time deciding exactly what this is or if it is several things. I am asking for your input on what these issues are and how to proceed:

1) You can easily see on several polyps the brown fungus covering the closed face;

2) There is what looks like debris, as opposed to dots, on some of the stalks;

3) There is a light green substance growing in between the stalks;

I have Lugol's and Flatworm eXit and was preparing to dip them tonight, then a buddy sent me this article---

http://www.zoaid.com/articles004.php

where they discuss using Furan-2 on Zoa pox. I'll admit I'm confused and since this is my first experience with identification and because they are on a rock in the sand and not close to other zoa's, I decided to be cautious and take another day to gather feedback here.

Today they are much more open than this pic from yesterday except for the ones covered in the brown fungus.

Thanks for your time and replies.................

I believe I will have happy zoa's again soon:spin1: , with help.

 

[ficklefins]

Hopefully this will help:
1) You can easily see on several polyps the brown fungus covering the closed face;
- The brown stuff will come off and it is just an outer coating of algae (perhaps diatom type? I'm not good with algae names) on your polyps. You can help your polyps along by brushing that stuff off with you fingers or blasting it away with a powerhead. Using the powerhead is the safer method but a light touch can really help. Just make sure not to crush or damage the polyps. Try either method underwater and best case scenario is you trying to brush it off in front of a powerhead.

2) There is what looks like debris, as opposed to dots, on some of the stalks;
- These spots do look a lot like debri and not pox. Pox is actually under the skin so it can not be brushed or blow away using the methods I described in point one above.

3) There is a light green substance growing in between the stalks;
- Those look like sponges. Do they have holes in them, like a dish sponge? If these are sponges they can become a nuisance to your zoas mainly because they can grow over the zoanthids mats all the way up to the polyp. I've had this happen before and had to remove the sponge using some tweezers (outside the water)
Check this ID page for sponge pics
http://melevsreef.com/id/sponge.html

 

[craab]

Never heard of furan-2 but, when I have a colony that looks like that, I just put it under a facet for a min or two. Give it a good blast then a quick dunk in freshwater to remove whatever is left. Has always worked for me without ill effects.

 

[Lytehouse]

Thank you.

I was prepared for much worse news. I'll jump home tomorrow after work and get to work on them, then give them time to heal and post new pics.

Last question. There is a crimson red feather that has come out on the side of the rocks with no polyps. Should I assume the fresh water dip will kill this feather?

 

[Lytehouse]

....

 

[Lord Sevein]

I agree with ficklefins. The "brown fungus" looks like nothing more than a diatom algae. I have had problems with these little buggers dusting my rocks, glass, and even my corals a light brown. Nothing to worry about IMO. In the proper conditions you won't even have to remove it yourself . . . it'll just die away. But if you are really worried about it lightly brush off the algae with your fingers (underwater). Just remember to thoroughly wash your hands after!

The white stuff on the stalks looks like what you said it was - debris. In fact, the zoa/platys that I just brought home yesterday had what looked to be the same thing. I freaked just like you and thought it could be pox but after a closer inspection I found that it would easily rub off.

As far as the green stuff between polyps goes . . . I'm at a loss.

Hope this helps!

-Sevein
:strooper:

 

[ficklefins]

Lynn,

Keep in mind that a freshwater dip is not needed for any of these conditions.

 

[Lytehouse]

6 days later

6 days later

I've been reading here awhile and have noticed many people have a lot more patience than I do traditionally. Having gotten some good information here I did 3 things:

#1 Waited and watched;

#2 Blew off some of the debris and fungus/algae with turkey baster;

#3 Changed the flow of a return, not on the zoa rock, but to increase the flow around the rock. Over a couple days the brown begin to break apart and the polyps began to open more and more. Tonight, all opening fully but 2-- one is half open and the other is yet to open.

So, I plan to watch more and turkey baste again if needed. As I believe all polyps are opening and stable, I still want to pull it out and remove the green slime that seems to be growing.

Thanks all who replied and helped me think this through and make, what I believe are conservative and safe actions. In addition, I've learned some things to do under certain situations with zoa's and have a bit more confidence.:mixed:

 

[Lord Sevein]

Wow Lynn those look great!

I'm glad things are working out for you. Keep us posted.

 

[ficklefins]

Lynn,

They look great now! I'm glad things turned out well.

 

[Lytehouse]

Thank you both.......

When you're new, it's great to get feedback so quickly and then have time to think it over....

 

[Lord Sevein]

Glad to help!