new pics of the garden

thanks again for the compliments. once they reach "critical mass" they really take off.

IridescentLily, when my tank was young and going through some growing pains I did have periods when they would close up and act strange. I even lost a small colony of red ones to the "mystery shriveling Zoa disease" but it didn't seem to affect any of the others.

As with most corals, I think the age of the tank really makes a difference. It took my tank over a year before things really "cleaned up" and took off. Also, yanking the bioballs and installing a PhosBan reactor were two things I should have done much sooner.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12995862#post12995862 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by seapug
thanks again for the compliments. once they reach "critical mass" they really take off.

IridescentLily, when my tank was young and going through some growing pains I did have periods when they would close up and act strange. I even lost a small colony of red ones to the "mystery shriveling Zoa disease" but it didn't seem to affect any of the others.

As with most corals, I think the age of the tank really makes a difference. It took my tank over a year before things really "cleaned up" and took off. Also, yanking the bioballs and installing a PhosBan reactor were two things I should have done much sooner.
Click to expand...
Thanks seapug. So it seems like contrary to what i've read about Zoas needing a "dirtier tank" to thrive, they seem in your tank anyway, NOT to like phosphates.
Also, it seems like they need more plain ol' "time and patience" it seems, than anything. Almost like anemones in that they seem to me to like a bit of older stable water parameters before they feel relaxed enough to start spreading.
It seesm to me there's a definite period of time, that once that tiem period is crossed, they take off without much fuss.
Has that been your experience with them for the most part?
 
pretty much. My tank is at a point where just about anything I put in it does fine (as long as it has space-- haha)

The idea that Zoas like "dirty water" is a myth, in my opinion, as even the "cleanest" closed system aquarium is far more polluted than a natural reef. While they aren't as demanding about water parameters as most SPS, I have no doubt they grow and look better in a well maintained system.
 
Yes, good points which make total sense to me.
Besides, I would like a reef which has both sps, and softies, such as your lovely tank does.
I do know this much, when I do get a reef system up, i'll be getting a phosphate reactor like yourself.
If you suggested I put one rare orange slice, grown only by nuns, and sold only in Europe, in my tank.... then i'd quickly put that on my list.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12996538#post12996538 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IridescentLily

Also, it seems like they need more plain ol' "time and patience" it seems, than anything.
Click to expand...
couldn't be any more true.... :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12997865#post12997865 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by seapug

The idea that Zoas like "dirty water" is a myth, in my opinion, as even the "cleanest" closed system aquarium is far more polluted than a natural reef. While they aren't as demanding about water parameters as most SPS, I have no doubt they grow and look better in a well maintained system.
Click to expand...
well said sir... your results speak for itself... thanks for the inspiration... :)
 
just realized I forgot to post my favorite pic.

IMG_3150.jpg
 
Shwiiing.
Okay, I'm counting like 20-30 different looking varieties of zoanthids.
How many kinds do you have, do you know?
You're like some kind of Bodi of Zoanthids (or reef aquariums in general) to me, lol.
I mean, look at the way the zoas have their own personal shaded area, which is provided by the toadstool growing over the rock cave above.
That's just some awesome aquascaping on your part. Was it pre planned like that or did everything just happen to grow like that?
 
most intermingle and spread onto the sand, but some do have a tendency to overgrow others-- like the annoying gray/brown palys. Ugly stuff always outgrows the pretty stuff.....
 
Great pics and tank Seapug, but you know I'm going to be odd man out, LOL. Can you share with us what you mean by and your definition of "good water quality" ?

Why did you choose to go with 10 gallons every week?

What type of salt are you using?

Ever caught your Purple Tang nipping at your polyps?

How deep is your SB?

Any history of allelopathy?

What ballast are you using to drive your bulbs?


I want to compliment you on not having a single polyp that I can see that is selling for tons of money. Your tank gives great merit and validation that you don't have to spend $ 10 to $ 50 a polyp to have a very stunning and colorful system as yours. I also commend you for allowing your polyps to simply grow without much apparent frag/selling. And finally, having nice coloration is one thing, but aquascaping makes any tank what it is. I like the theme of your system and the overall balance of placement. Your tank gives further validity that Sps, Lps and softies can coexist in harmony.

Can you post a full pic in the Photo Sticky at the top of the page? Thanks

Again, great job my friend.


Mucho


PS. On my next system, I am going to allow a bed of 3 types of polyps to cover the entire sand bed, then place a 2 inch strip along the outside of the tank to cover the sand that is exposed from all sides. I think this would be a very unique look never tried before, or maybe it has. Hint Hint to you, LOL.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, Mucho!

To answer your questions:

Q: Can you share with us what you mean by "good water quality"?
A: I mean making an effort to minimize the usual Nitrate/Phosphate nutrients through chemical filtration media (carbon & gfo), regular water changes, judicious feeding, and maintaining Alk and Calcium in the proper ranges. Basically, I wouldn't maintain a tank full of Zoas any different than a tank full of Acros.

Q: Why did you choose to go with 10 gallons every week?
A: It's what drains back to my sump when the return is shut off, so it's a convenient amount.

Q: What type of salt are you using?
A: Reef Crystals. Mixes nice and clear for me.

Q: Ever caught your Purple Tang nipping at your polyps?
A: Nope, she never touches anything in the tank. The entire tank actually became more peaceful after adding that Tang- she actually intervenes when the Starry Blenny and Hawkfish have periodic arguments.

Q: How deep is your SB?
A: It varies from about 2-4 inches throughout the tank.

Q: Any history of allelopathy?
A: Not that I've seen. I attribute it to keeping things somewhat separated and running Seachem Matrix carbon in a reactor.

Q: What ballast are you using to drive your bulbs?
A: I'm not sure. Some kind of electronic ballast built into the fixture. It's the 48" 2 X 150W version of this fixture:
http://current-usa.com/outerorbit.html

Thanks again for the compliments. I'll post the full shot in the Sticky gallery.
 
seapug-

I really dig your tank, I hope my 50 will show that kind of development some day. One thing I noticed (or didn't notice) after looking at your gallery was an overflow and return. Where are you hiding them?

-avp
 
You DO have a beautiful system going on there!

Your avatar has always caught my attention and I think your tagline "Candyland" perfectly depicts what's going on! It also looks like you've been very selectively with your specimens too and resisted the urge to just 'buy anything to throw in your tank.'
Congratulations to you, your patience has paid off!

I'm actually pretty new to keeping zoas myself, (not corals in general, just zoas). Many years ago when I first started out, I had a few bad experiences with some of the first zoas I ever tried to keep. Plus back then our LFS never carried anything exciting- just browns and the usual green palys. Nothing near as colorful as what you have there.

Then a friend here in Vegas was trying to save a couple of his colonies and wanted to split them up and keep a few in my tank until he could figure out his issues. I was hesitant but agreed to try again. They have thrived! So after having succeeded with a few specimens, and seeing your beautiful zoas....now I have the zoa bug for sure! Now, I'm always on the lookout for that next special colony with rich colors to put in my tank.

There seem to be a million fancy names for all the different zoas out there (and I can't remember all of them). I would love to know what the ones are called that live in the lower lefthand corner of your tank on the sand that are "orange-yellow" centered with a lime green "skirt?" They are really eye-catching for color and would look very nice next to my 'Radioactive Dragon Eyes!'

Congratulations again on your beautiful aquarium! :)
 
The orange center with yellow skirt are referred to as dragon eyes.

The yellow mouth, greenish ring, and yellow skirt are referred to as green bay packers.
 
Thanks all...

AVP, the tank is situated peninsula style so the overflow (hob) is in the far end near the wall. The return is right next to it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Itchy Trigger
DC Pump Recommendations Needed
Replies
5
Views
149
Itchy Trigger
Itchy Trigger
AGWL
Starting over
Replies
6
Views
259
griss
griss
M
How everything change and keeps changing
Replies
19
Views
407
MCReef1420
M
H
Purposeful zoa infestation?
Replies
5
Views
316
harriehack
H
8
Some new supplements.
Replies
6
Views
184
griss
griss
Back
Top