Zoanthids going south

[Fin Mike]

I was hoping to get a few opinions concerning my new Zoanthid purchase. They looked great when I bought them, but went down hill within a week in my tank. I tested the water today, and besides some moderately high nitrate, all is well. All the other Zoo's in the tank are doing well. Suckers just won't open up. What do you all think?

 

[GrouperGenius]

So many variables.
Could be differences in parameters of where they came from and your tank. Ph, salinity, lighting, alk, and cal. What kind of zoas?

Btw...love your sig.

 

[Ohio]

If nothing else is wrong, check out some threads re dosing w/vitamin c. There is one in particular that is very informative also several splits long. Some have said that it helps zoas when then will not open and another reason cannot be ID. I would have posted the link but could not from my iPhone(it is under this forum).

 

[Fin Mike]

I agree. The variables are endless, but I'm concerned that I'm not aware of all those variables (if one can be). I thought it might be my lights, so I moved the zoo's down, but it got worse. If my LFS is within normal parameters for a successful aquarium, then our water should be the same. My strategy, in the short term, is to do a water change AND cross my fingers. I know it sound highly effective, but what can I say.

Maybe I have to live with the fact that somethings are just not going to make it, and somethings will. What a bummer.

So many variables.
Could be differences in parameters of where they came from and your tank. Ph, salinity, lighting, alk, and cal. What kind of zoas?

Btw...love your sig.

 

[Rayho]

I have the same problem....which I suspect is due to the fishes....I had 4 dwaft angels who love to test everything I put into the tank.

 

[yvonne r]

How high are your nitrates and how are they doing? Did you try putting them in a different flow rate?

 

[Scott-CapeCoral]

Maybe I have to live with the fact that somethings are just not going to make it, and somethings will. What a bummer.

Please don't use this as your reef keeping rule of thumb. Identify the problem before hoping new additions survive in your tank.

It could very well be a parameter fluctuation, (temp, salinity, or ph can be the most damaging to a new addition from the start). Zoanthids are less prone to become stressed in moderate nitrates, however that should also be fixed. I've seen many times where these issues could possibly be the trigger to a fungus, pox, and/or zoa melting. If you see the start of any of these, look into the Furan 2 treatment. I swear upon it. Just follow all of the instructions properly, (Not the instructions on the furan 2 box, the instructions here on RC.) I hope you find the cause and they turn around for the better. Good luck. Scott