New zoas getting constantly walked over

[BeachVacationer]

Hi,

I'm completely new to saltwater but not to fresh, I keep discus.

We have a pico 5 gallon FOWLR (2 Juvie clowns, 2 cleaner shrimp and 2 small hermit crabs. Been running for 3 months, no problems at all. So yesterday we decided to buy our first coral, small colony of zoas for $20. My shrimps I think suffer from ADHD because they constantly walk around my rocks.

So when the shrimps walk on the zoas, they obviously close up and reopen few minutes later after the shrimp moves on.

My question is, will my zoas be ok with the shrimps walking on them so much? Will the frequent closing and reopening stress them or harm them?




Thanks

 

[CuzzA]

From looking at the picture of your tank you really don't have the right environment for 1 cleaner shrimp let alone 2. They typically hang out in overhangs and caves. My guess is they will always be moving around on top of your minimal rockscape which will keep your Zoas closed often and may lead to a die off due to the lack of photosynthesis. I would add more rock. Also keep in mind that clown fish reach 4-5 inches and may not do well in such a small nano. They also will likely become very aggressive toward the shrimp and kill them. Clownfish, like most fish are territoral and will fight to the death to defend their home and keep visitors out. Which in your case would be the whole tank. If you research the common consensus of minimum tank size for clownfish you will find it's 20 gallons or more. I would consider looking at true nano fish for this setup.

 

[BeachVacationer]

Thanks for the quick reply! I wanted the space for the fish to swim but you're right I should get more rock. We bought the shrimp because they're very pretty and are so active. And with more rocks, I may move the zoas further up to get more light.

Thanks!

 

[BeachVacationer]

This is interesting.
Today I bought a 8 watt blue LED light and have had it on all day today.
With this light and my regular light LEDs on, the shrimps are resting in a darker area and not roaming all over the place. It's keeping them off of my new zoas!

Guess shrimps don't like intense light? Sure makes the zoas pop!

 

[whosurcaddie]

Blue led's will make them pop.

I would definitely get more rock and bigger pieces. You could probably get two larger pieces and then build around them. Just make sure the rock is cured before going into the tank.

I like your setup though very clean.