hey guys. i've noticed that some of my zoos are starting to extend upward towards the top of the tank. i've read that this can mean they want more light. im about to change bulbs soon which i hope might help...are there any other reasons which this might occur? perhaps i need to run new carbon to clear "stuff" out of the water maybe?
zoas starting to extend more than usual
- Thread starter ryanpal
- Start date
ryan_paskadi
New member
I had some zoas at the bottom of my tank with stalks extended around 2". They looked really weird.
thecichlidpleco
New member
Yep, I think they are "reaching" for mor light, move em up and see that they will settle down. If it is time for new bulb then that could be problem, but if they have been this way for a while then vertical movement is necessary.
A more likely scenario is rather than extending for MORE light, they are extending because they are in competition FOR light.
Think of a rock concert. The first row stands up, then the second row (because by standing the first row is blocking them), then the third. Pretty soon the whole theatre is standing. Then the second row, to see even better, stands on their seats. Then the third follows suit, etc. etc.
I would not assume you need more light if they have done fine for months. Chances are they have spread out more, and have to reach around each other. I have two 250w MH lights on my tank, and some DIRECTLY under that light extend quite a ways. It's to be expected on healthy polyps. Why do you think they even developed the ability to extend their 'stalks'?
Think about what healthy polyps do. They open like a flower, extend, get large, reach out. Unhealthy polyps retract, close up, get flat.
I consider it a sign of health, and have polyps extending about two inches (sometimes quite a bit more) right now in my tank. Not every type has the ability, but those that do, reach out.
nalbar
Think of a rock concert. The first row stands up, then the second row (because by standing the first row is blocking them), then the third. Pretty soon the whole theatre is standing. Then the second row, to see even better, stands on their seats. Then the third follows suit, etc. etc.
I would not assume you need more light if they have done fine for months. Chances are they have spread out more, and have to reach around each other. I have two 250w MH lights on my tank, and some DIRECTLY under that light extend quite a ways. It's to be expected on healthy polyps. Why do you think they even developed the ability to extend their 'stalks'?
Think about what healthy polyps do. They open like a flower, extend, get large, reach out. Unhealthy polyps retract, close up, get flat.
I consider it a sign of health, and have polyps extending about two inches (sometimes quite a bit more) right now in my tank. Not every type has the ability, but those that do, reach out.
nalbar
J.R.L.
In Memoriam
i was about to say exactly what nalbar said ^^^^ almost dead on...ive noticed my big rock of zoas have the whole left side sitting close to the rock like most and the other side are extended up about 1"! and it has begun to move from right to left..they are competing for light...kind of like the canopy in the jungle i guess
JoeyTheReefer
New member
need more light
Aquarist007
New member
every zoo is different as to its light requirements--some will do great placed as close as possible to the halides, other like it down much lower on the reef.
You pretty well have to experiment--and the rule of thumb when placing new coral in your tank is to place them low and gradually move them up the reef until they are happy
You pretty well have to experiment--and the rule of thumb when placing new coral in your tank is to place them low and gradually move them up the reef until they are happy
