Problem getting zoos to grow

[milhous3er]

This is my first post in the zoos section, and i'm having a hard time getting any new polyps from any of my zoo colonies.

First my params-
0 ammonia
0 nitrites
0 nitrates
SG of 1.025
Temp 79-80

Lighting- 250w MH 20k

I've had this small colony (about 20 polyps) that hasn't shown any growth, and has almost lost about 25% of its bulk. When I mean bulk, it seems to have almost shrunk over the 6 months in my tank. I have other colonies that don't grow either.

I have no problem with other corals, my chalice is growing and my LPS (torch, frogspawn and elegance corals) are all thriving and have grown at least 2 new heads each in the past 6+ months.

I don't have a advanced test kit, and the only trace elements I supply are those that come with my weekely PWCS

Any advice is welcome. Thanks

 

[NYDiesel]

From my experience with Zoa's each grows differently and at different rates.If your parameters are good and it seems like your lighting is sufficient then it comes down to time.I have about 20 types of zoas and its interesting watching which grows at what rate.Placement is key and once you find a good spot just let them be.Good Luck

 

[njudson]

I would try moving the zoas to a different spot in the tank if that is an option.

 

[milhous3er]

Ok thanks. They did really well under my old fixture (96w PC and a 42w T5), but seem fade after I put them under my 250. I have them all in low flow areas, so maybe i'll position the PH to get somemore water movement.

 

[anen]

I would also try putting them in lower flow. I had a bunch of zoos under high flow that didn't do anything and grew really fast when I took out my powerhead for a while.

 

[Reef Bass]

IMHO, you should determine where your alk, ca and mag levels are.

 

[jas8943]

put them lowerin the tanks if you went from pc to 250 hl they just might be getting to much light

 

[JMregan]

I read somewhere that many Zoos go through growth periods and stop. My first Zoos did not grow for awhile, then grew fast, and now has stopped again. Once you get one you may get many more

 

[psteeleb]

are you feeding them anything? I found I get good growth when I feed cyclopseze. In my last system I feed once or twice a week and got good growth then stopped as I wanted to improve water quality for SPS but then some of the zoas started to die off slowly (not all just some colonies), so I suspected that some colonies need some occasional meaty food to survive. I also understand that some zoas like to ingest detritus so you may want to try and place them accordingly

I curerntly feed cyclopseze daily and get great growth with all my zoas