Zoas - help me understand

[skimjim]

I've been reefing since '05 but this past year i got serious about collecting zoas. probably a good 20+ different colors.

I have questions:

1) what's the first few things I test for when a zoa completely closes-up but before it starts melting? what preventative actions i can take before i start losing 80% f the colony?

2) how can you tell if you have a high light or low light zoa? Any way to tell prior to doing my own experimenting?

3) how do you feed your zoas? i do have reef chili on-hand but dont know if I'm to spot-feed them with a direct shot from a squirter? or do i turn off my return pump and just dump the reef chili in and let swirl around for 4hrs before turning pump and skimmer back on?

4) help me understand why a particular zoa doubles in polyps in a couple months BUT literally closes-up and melts in 3 days?

Thanks

 

[m0nkie]

I'll provide some of my experience. I am no expert, so take this as an opinion.

1) when a colony completely closes up, the first thing I do is the full water parameter test. Usually Alkalinity/Calcium effects them more. Afterwards, I would do a WC. WC never hurts.. But if your zoas are closed and other LPS such as Torch and Hammers are happy, chances are it's not the water. So I stay up at night and check for pests. Zoa eating nudis are a PITA.. Zoa disease such as Zoa pox are easier to spot.

2) safest way is to put them on a frag rack and raise it slowly. Some zoas take over a month to adapt. That also means it takes awhile to die. I find that when their mouth are pointing higher, it's a sign of too much light. Move them down immediately. When they need more light, they will grow long stalks.

not enough light

too much light

I recently moved my LED 1" lower because I felt my SPS/clams were not getting enough. That 1 inch really made a difference. My highest level zoas all started forming this umbrella shape. Too much light. I let them be. pretty bad mistake. lost a $300 frag.. the bigger colonies took it better. They first form the umbrella shape, then start shrinking. When it's shrinking, it's probably too late. I moved all those frags to the sandbed.. some barely survived..

3) I broad feed my tank. I feed them during the day when they are open. I use reef chili. Mix it with half cup of water, dump it at a high flow area of the tank and let it pollute. The down side is constant maintenance to remove excess waste. Filter bag is a must. If you want to spot feed, use a 2 liter coke bottle, cover the zoa, let the food drop on them. I've seen them eat huge pieces of mysis and flakes.

4) that's the difference between $$$. expensive zoas grow super slow and die easily. that's why they are expensive. They just grow slow. I'm only guessing on this. My stratosphere zoa has remained a single polyp for 2 months now. Opens daily like a champ. never grows. Others have covered a whole rock.

 

[m0nkie]

this is after i moved the lights down 1". As you can see, the zoa on the right is not taking it so well, everyone else loved the extra light

 

[skimjim]

Great info, i learned a couple things i never knew. thanks!