Tell me the truth about nutrients

[ZoeReef]

Thus far, I've had zero success getting anything but brown zoanthids. I know that there are beautiful colors, but I've not seen any yet. I have a 24g aquapod with 75w HQI 14k. Zoas are in medium flow, mid level in the tank.

I'm pretty new at this. I have worked diligently to get good quality water. I run carbon, have a HOB refugium and the numbers posted are current.

Today I was told at a monthly club meeting that zoanthids need nutrient rich water. Huh? Does this mean that everything I've been doing to clean up the water is actually working against colors on the zoanthids? I'm sure I've joined an art because it sure doesn't seem to be a science.. :bum:

If indeed I need 'nutrient rich' water..what exactly does that mean. Thanks..

Andy

 

[surfnvb7]

yes...zoas do need nutrients in the water. but, i really dont think the amount of nutrients in the water has much to do with color (in the way you are talking about). in general, i think it has more to do with growth rates.

how long have you had the MH? 70w MH doesnt really pack much of a punch, esspecially in a 24g tank. IMO PC's are worthless. i know some people say they keep zoas with good color under them. more power to them....

i used to keep a 175w MH on a 20g high, and my girlfriend keeps a 175w MH over her 15g.

i'd say your MH isn't gonna have an immediate impact on your zoas. its a pretty weak MH meant for shallow tanks. i beleive the 24g tanks like yours are rather tall.