Zoa / Paly Placement and Lighting Requirement

[zoafarm]

I'm looking to start this thread to learn more about everyone's observations on zoa / paly placement for growth. For example, MyOwnGrowOp noted that Rasta zoas seemed to show faster grow under very high light, and showed decreased growth near the bottom of the tank.

Ground Rules:

1. We know each tank is different and everyone observations may be different.
2. Everyone may have different types of lighting (MH, T5, LEDs). Please don't debate type of lighting. But please indicate the type of lighting you are using. This will give us a reference.
3. Again since zoas do seem adapt rather well to different locations, these are just your observations.
4. I know many on here do not like the marketing names assigned to zoas/palys, but if you do know the name, it would help as a reference. Otherwise, maybe a color reference would help.

In my tank, I had great growth with

1. Captain Americas near the bottom (24" down under DIY LEDs (3RB:1CW)) - but at the same time I lost some color.

2. AoG - Upper 1/3 of the of the tank seemed to give me the best results.

3. Yellow palys - anywhere in the tank and spread supper fast.

Has anyone had any observation on Utter Chaos or Ommpa Loompas?

 

[Jyetman]

I bought a single AOG and placed him on the sand bad. I have 160 Watt LED and thought he be better on the sand but after about a week he closed up. Thinking maybe he needs to adjust I waited about three weeks then moved him up 1/2 out of sand under shade but he still hasn't open back up not sure why?

 

[charliet21]

Aog are touchy at times. Give it time and leave it be. Leave in shade till ut settles in

 

[charliet21]

Captain loves light. But i run my light a little different then others.

I have a 55g mixed main zoa/paly. I have 2x 150 and 2x 96 pc 460s and blue leds.
Pc 12hrs
Mh 2 1/2 hrs
Leds always on


Ive found that this makes them bigger, color up and its also helping with my rainbow acan get more color.

Also light are hanging about 8" above water

 

[DCReefer1964]

I know this is about lighting, but flow plays a major factor in how well they react.
AOG sand bed
RASTAs sand bed
CA bottom 1/3 of tank
Darths peaking from under ledge on bottom

Running (3) 250W Radiums 20K and (4) 80W T5s Mixed SPS Zoa tank 26" high

 

[Reefer54]

eagle eyes: bottom of the top third of tank. kessil sky and ocean blues (10 hrs a day-ocean, 6 hrs a day -sky) directly between lights (4 inches apart 8in above water). started with 2 polyps 2 months ago, now have 9.

nuclear green: dead middle on one end of tank (indirect light). 2 months ago - 15 polyps, today - 25.

blue center, brown skirts: 1 month ago -17 polyps, today - 20 polyps. sandbed dead center of tank....but shaded slightly by the brace in the middle of the tank.

all polyps have been placed in lower flow areas. polyp extension and skirt extension is healthy.

2 - A150W kessil ocean blue, 2- A150W kessil sky blue, both 8 inch above water
72 watts of blue DIY actinic off during 6 hours of high light period, 16 inches above water.