Why can't I keep Rastas?

[cloak]

Once again my Rastas are blah! What started out as 2 small polyps 8+ months ago has blossomed into 5. They grow slow, they're only about 3/16 in diameter, and the colors leave something to be desired. I have all kinds of other zoanthids /palythoas in the tank that look great, but these Rastas keep throwing me for a loop. Any ideas? Please ask me questions if need be, as I would love for these things to thrive. Some of my details are in my signature, and the tank has been set up for about 5 years. Thanks.

I have the same problem with the Hornets btw. (not sure if that matters)

 

[kichimark]

I used to have a hard time with specific zoas such as blue/red hornets while everything else grew nicely. It did not matter where I placed them in regards to flow or light it just did not work. I traded some fish earlier in the year for some corals which included BH/RH and have TONS of them now. System is the same but for some reason they are doing rather well. I also have rastas and for me they went from 8 to 17 in a matter of 2 months.

What I suspect and this may not seem helpful at all but perhaps different strains of the same zoanthid with some being more resistant than others. I say this because the guy I got my rastas from claimed there were different strains with one being smaller and his slightly larger and he really knew how to grow his corals so I kept that in mind. The ones he has are twice the size you mentioned. Other than that I keep my zoas such as those you mentioned in indirect flow and have noticed they enjoy those spots.

 

[dbenyo]

have you tried dosing ganja? Ive heard that will keep the rastas happy


I agree with kichimark. Some strains grow faster, bigger, hardier. Placement is a huge factor and sometimes it all just comes down to luck. The "high end" stuff seem to be touchy.

 

[lhm nole]

I keep my rastas in lower light levels and medium flow.. Have over 100 started with 15 or so do the same with my hornets noticed when I move them up higher on my leds I melt them.. They do need a little nutrient imo.. My rastas are pretty good size

 

[ghostman]

I use to have a hard time with rastas, but I placed them in a slightly shaded area now and they are expanding and growing well. Other zoos that I had trouble with were hornets, la lakers, and fruit loops. Now they all grow well in a shaded area. I think lighting is the key.

 

[cloak]

Thank you for the replies.

I've had them for about 8 months now, and I've tried a bunch of different locations. I had the up on the frag rack for a couple months. (slightly shaded, moderate amount of flow) I've had them mid level before. (right next to a Sunset Montipora and a Setosa/high flow) The last two months they have been on the bottom. (slightly shaded and moderate flow) They just won't settle down & grow. I'm almost to the point where I just want to trade them in for something else...