Zoanthid problem

[Reefman29]

My zoanthids have a red algae looking coating over them. I can't really get it off and they aren't opening much. Help please

 

[tiger33]

Blow the red stuff off with a turkey baster. Then figure out why the red stuff is growing. Check your lighting, the amount of food you're feeding, and test your water. Start there and you will be on the raod to figuring out why the red stuff is there. Hope this helps.

 

[Reefman29]

I have tired blowing it and siphoning it. It doesn't want to come off. The poylps are also under moderate flow.

 

[TampaSnooker]

Start off with chem: Ca, Alk, PO4 most importantly. How much light? How old are the bulbs? and how long are they on?

Most zoas are fairly hardy so you may be able to use something to scrape it off. If it really is that resiliant, I consider Furan2 baths a cure-all for zoa diseases. Dosages vary - all the way from 1 packet per CUP to 1 packet per GALLON, depending who you ask. For a preventative dip, I'd go with a lighter dose. Other possibilities are a freshwater dip - same pH, temp and dechlor-ed; 10% hydrogen peroxide/90% water dip - both are effective at killing invasive algaes. As a collector, I've seen almost everything but spiders by now. It always amazes me what you can put some through withoug fazing them. The exception, of course is anything you paid over $5 pp for. The more expensive, the more likely it is to melt...
If you are getting into zoas, keep this site bookmarked for ID's and troubleshooting: http://www.zoaid.com/index.php?module=Gallery2&g2_itemId=384

 

[reefpeeper]

try to gently scrub with an old toothbrush

 

[RokleM]

Search "cotton candy" or "fuzzy" algae. See if that's it.

Short answer is beyond the typical nutrient control issues... mexican turbo's or control it before it spreads.

 

[Reef Bass]

I've found gentle brushing with the end bristles of a toothbrush at an angle in one direction and also gentle stroking in one direction with my finger tip the most effective techniques to peel off "skin tight algae shirts" from polyps. Once it starts to peel, the rest usually comes off more easily.

If you're convinced you can't get it off with brushing or stroking, try vastly diluted hydrogen peroxide (like the 1:10 suggested above). It's like scrubbing bubbles...

And also as mentioned above, long term, removal of the algae fuel is the appropriate solution.

 

[Reefman29]

I will try the scrubbing thing. I will get parameters tomorrow when I clean the tank. The bulbs are 4 39w T5s over a 30 gallon. 2 12K and 2 actinics. The zoanthids are at the bottom. Lights are on for about 9 hours.

 

[jas8943]

are u running any phos remover in there i would think that would be the first thing to check also a trick iv picked up is you can use mardel maracyn for getting rid of it fast doesnt hurt coral at all but the algae will come back in 3-4 weeks.