So a fellow reefer....

[Fache]

Has been having issues keeping any type of zoas. Able to keep all types of SPS and LPS, but no luck with the zoas. Every time introduced, they either diminish and disappear or look like they are melting away. Not even able to keep any Xenia.

Running:
90g DT
90g Sump
Filled with LR
vertex skimmer. (Might be oversized for the tank-can't remember what model)
Marine Pure Block
Cheato

Tank is pretty clean, not much algae
Approximately 12+ fish
Lots of Cleaner crew
Reg water changes

Just did some test, Mag was fine. Cal a little high (500) and Alk a little low 7.0

Anybody have any idea why zoas aren't growing/maintaining while just about everything else is?

Could the water be to clean lacking specific nutrients or possible harbouring something toxic or too many nutrients to the zoas etc?

Can't figure it out.

I'm sure I have left out information so please feel free to ask question. I will do my best to answer.

Had to post here, been driving us crazy


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[organism]

I've had tons of issues with zoas and most softies when the alk gets low. Also had some issues with marine pure leaching aluminum but that only affected my SPS and a few chalices, zoas looked great the whole time.

How are your nitrates? I had some mystery zoa problems that ended up being my nitrates were at 0 for too long.

 

[Fache]

Nitrates tested at 2.5


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[Fache]

Bump. Any other thoughts aside from low alk?


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[sde1500]

Bump nitrates up a bit, maybe 5. Though zoas are weird. I have some growing nice and fast, next to ones not growing at all. Xenia and melting zoas though I'd hazard is too low nutrient levels. Bring them up slowly though, since the other corals are doing ok.

 

[Fache]

Thanks Guys, appreciate the feedback


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[williamsreeffam]

Do you think something may be eating them?
I had that problem for a really long time.

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[JohnnyHildo]

Bump nitrates up a bit, maybe 5. Though zoas are weird. I have some growing nice and fast, next to ones not growing at all. Xenia and melting zoas though I'd hazard is too low nutrient levels. Bring them up slowly though, since the other corals are doing ok.

agreed.
i didn't notice any measurement for phosphate and i would bet that low nutrients is playing a large part in your lack of success.
having just got over some large issues myself one of the major contributors was trying (without fully understanding) to run a ULNS.
unfortunately ulns is poorly explained and i didn't understand the concept of the nutrients we're trying to drive down to undetectable must be redosed to keep things healthy and happy. tanks need phosphate and nitrate to thrive.

 

[Fache]

@williamsreeffam it's something that we have considered. His Harlin Tusk could be culprit. Going to keep a closer eye.

@JohnnyHildo I don't think Phosphate was tested, ill have to bring it to his attention. Thanks, good point.


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