Zoanthids won't open

[Tim Plow]

The last several frags of zooanthids I have gotten from the LFS never open. I may buy 5 polyps and only one opens up. I have many SPS and LPS that are doing fine. All water parameters appear fine. Any ideas what could be going on? Can I do anything to help them open before they die?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[nysbadmk8]

how high up on the reef are they? might be too much light.
did you dip them before putting them in too?

[Tim Plow]

Sorry for the late reply, I had to leave. I have them about half-way up my tank. When all my lights are on, I have (3) 400 watt MH and (4) 96 watt attinic for my 200 gallon. The guy at the LFS says that he dips all the zoanthids before he sells them.

The ones that won't open are (4) armageddon polyps. All 4 are currently closed. Also, about a week ago, I bought (2) blue tubs and only one opened up so I'm not sure what is going on.

Do you normally feed your zoanthids anything? I have (3) colonies of zooanthids in the same tank that are doing great.

[JGoslee]

You should get in the habit of dipping everything you add to your tank. Did you check for zoa predators? Are any of your fish nipping at them? The best thing you can do is place them in good light and good flow and leave them alone. I've had zoa's take a few weeks before they open.

[tkeracer619]

I always run actinics only the day after I add zoas. I find they open quicker if you dont hit them with light.

Also they don't need a whole lot of light, I would put them in a lower light area or on the sandbed to get them used to 400W halides then move them up in a few weeks.

[Bebo77]

give them time... zoas can take a day or 2 to open when moved into a new tank...

[Tim Plow]

Thanks for the comments. Hopefully, these guys will open for me soon.

[chbarber]

What do you dip your zoos in before adding them to the tank? I have some extra space in my frag tank and the frag tank doesn't have as much lighting as the display. Would quarantining them in there first be helpful as well. The frag is connected to the display system.

[puddldude]

I dip mine in tap water dosed with tincture iodine, 79 degrees. If I dont have iodine on hand then regular tap will do. I also look for nudi eggs and dead spiders

[chbarber]

Would putting them in quarantine in a frag tank connected to my main display help with any problems?