Skimming and zoanthids

[Handil]

So I've been noticing an odd correlation between my skimmer and zoanthids, and was hoping someone could shed some light for me. As most skimmers are, mine is susceptible to salt creep. When this happens, the skimmer is still flowing, it's just not skimming. Whenever this occurs, the zoanthids in my tank close up. All of them. I unclog the salt creep and skimming starts again. Within a half hour to an hour, all the zoas are open again. Any thoughts on why? The tank itself is pretty healthy. I only have this issue when the skimmer is operating incorrectly, and every time it happens, I witness the same thing.

I posted this in the equipment thread as well because it seems pretty directly to be equipment related.

 

[floridascape]

orp... and its affect on ph/alkalinity

 

[Handil]

Could you maybe expand on that?

 

[Handil]

Ever so helpful...why post at all...I did some reading on the topic and it seems even the seasoned experts and aquarists don't pay attention to ORP for the most part.

 

[mbingha]

That's because it's the ph that they are concerned with. Orp directly effects ph, which the ph swing could be a reason for your zoas closing up.

 

[650-IS350]

Evap... ph swing. One of the top reasons that affect Zs and Ps