mixing zoos

[ryanpal]

hey guys,

over the next few weeks i should be adding a decent amount of zoos to my tank (finally ;] )

is it ok to arrange them so that once they start to multiply that they will mix with other zoos? i think this can add a range of color to them.

(when mix i mean different types will be side by side alternating or however they grow)

 

[aquarius77]

Be carefull some zoos will grow much faster than others and overrun their neighbors.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

I agree with Aquarius77

Producing such Frankenstein rocks can make a great impact on creating a truly unique system. It's a matter of personal taste/preference. Some like it, some don't. I prefer a colony that displays a consistent flow of coloration, expansion and overall impact as it covers the entire rock.

Another bit of caution, all zoas are not alike in the appearance, diameter and height when fully expanded. Zoanthids range from tiny, small, medium to large in diameter. The same principal that Aquarius77 speaks of, also applies with compatibility in size. Zoanthids with a large oral disk should never be seeded with tiny zoanthids because they will be choked out/off/die off as a result of light deprivation. Zoanthids are Photosynthetic and without light, they won't prosper.

Conversely, Playthoas should never be seeded with zoanthids for both of the above reasons above.

Hope I didn't sound confusing.

Mucho Reef

 

[ryanpal]

great replies guys..thanks ;]

 

[pvh]

When they start to cover their neighbors that's when you know it's time to frag them.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

I found an old picture of a colony I had many years ago. You can see the affect of matching polyps that are alike in size, height and diameter.

One will never outgrow or should I say, overgrow the other. If the green polyps were larger disc palythoas, the mustard yellow polyps wouldn't stand a chance as they would not receive any light or benefits from nutrient rich currents, at least not to the degree as the green palys would.


Mucho Reef

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Anyone else have pics of mixed zoanthid colonies that are doing well?

Mucho

 

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I have a mixed colony. One of them has a MUCH longer "skirt" and is in general, larger. They have mixed well, with seemingly no ill effects to either colony.

 

[Indermark]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11036227#post11036227 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MUCHO REEF
Anyone else have pics of mixed zoanthid colonies that are doing well?

Mucho

I do. this is not a recent picture.

 

[650-IS350]

i doubt those protopalys are as invasive as if you had a typical regular bottom polyp along with some regular zoos.. I wouln't put bottompolyps, zoo's with grandis nor zoanthus giganthus either.

 

[kingfisher62]

The only zoas I have came already mixed on two "rainbow rocks" they seem to do well together.

 

[Lytehouse]

I really like large patches of single colony zoas/palys, but have to admit, the right combination of 2 or 3 colonies is also very interesting.

 

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Not THE greatest photo, but....I actually have three types of Zoanthids mixed in here, but you can see only two of them here:

<img src="http://x0d.xanga.com/6ccc166206530154791361/b115802381.jpg" alt="zoas" style="width:800px" />