I'm gradually adding more SPS to my tank, to the point where you might call it an SPS tank, except for the fact that at the lower depths (I have a 28" deep tank) where I still have some really nice zoo colonies. I've heard mixed responses to my question "How will these coexist"? The answers range from 'get the zoos out of your tank' to 'as long as they're not touching', to 'the zoos can grow right around your SPS without a problem'. I have a pretty good skimmer but want some definitive feedback before I consider doing anything else.
Zoos and SPS
- Thread starter cw150
- Start date
surfnvb7
Premium Member
zoas and sps can coexist in a tank just fine. the sps freaks, dont like zoas b/c if they are growing on the same rock as their sps, the problem occurs when the sps and zoas are trying to grow onto the same rock space. softies, by rule will kill and make sps recede if competing for the same space.
as long as you keep the zoas on seperate rocks, isolated from growing onto other rocks you will be fine.
the only other problem with zoas/sps systems, is the whole mixed reef thing. its easier to grow an all sps system, or an all softie system.
with an all sps system, you get the best growth/color from nutrient deficient water. with a softie system, you get the best growth/color from nutrient latent water. sps generally grow faster and look better with very intense 10k lighting, zoas tend to at least look better under bluer lighting.
dont let people tell you what you can and cannot do. thats a huge misnomer in this hobby. just use caution, and good judgement on how different species will compete with eachother for their survival.
HTH
as long as you keep the zoas on seperate rocks, isolated from growing onto other rocks you will be fine.
the only other problem with zoas/sps systems, is the whole mixed reef thing. its easier to grow an all sps system, or an all softie system.
with an all sps system, you get the best growth/color from nutrient deficient water. with a softie system, you get the best growth/color from nutrient latent water. sps generally grow faster and look better with very intense 10k lighting, zoas tend to at least look better under bluer lighting.
dont let people tell you what you can and cannot do. thats a huge misnomer in this hobby. just use caution, and good judgement on how different species will compete with eachother for their survival.
HTH
Reef Junkie
Premium Member
Amen!
gflat65
New member
I have a 125 with ~60 zoa colors/morphs, had ~60 sps (until I started treating for AEFW's and am losing a good number of my acros) and ~35 LPS, so you can do a mixed reef... I have my zoas nearer the bottom and on separate rocks for the most part with my sps high up. No issues so far...
CoralNutz
In Memoriam
Zoas and SPS are fine together. Except that the zoas can overtake sps if given the chance. I don't think you are going to have a problem with chem war going on. IME the problem with chemical wars comes from softies like leathers and other softies
Personally I think there should be SPS, LPS, Zoas/Paly's, and then softies....(instead of just the sps, lps, softy categories) Dam softies always giving zoas a bad rap :lol:
Personally I think there should be SPS, LPS, Zoas/Paly's, and then softies....(instead of just the sps, lps, softy categories) Dam softies always giving zoas a bad rap :lol:
ecotoxlady
New member
Cool picture sneeyatch! I agree with what everyone has said 
Similar threads
