Caring for Different Zooas

[jmsalt1]

This is my first post in this forum and was wondering if any long time Zoanthid keepers could share some of their experiences / advice before I start spending money on zooas. I have two groupings of zooanthids that rode in on my live rock that have multiplied probably 10 fold (30 + in one group and 50+ in another). They are very happy but are pretty garden variety (not as colorful as those I see for sale ). My question is this, are there certain Zooas that are more difficult to keep than others? If so, which should be avoided or left to only the most advanced in the hobby, and which are easier to keep and provide great color and unusual size / look relative to other Zooas? I don't want to assume all zooas will be as easy for me to keep as the ones I have but if that is the case, GREAT! I know zooas as a group are easier than LPS & SPS but felt this was a question worth asking.

Here is a pic of one grouping. The other is different, but not so much that it is worth posting a separate picture.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/99130Zooas.jpg

[IridescentLily]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big> jmsalt1

I don't keep zoas but I wanted to welcome you here.
Those are good questions. This is the right place to get the right answers.

Good luck!

[Sr5_Reef]

There are some zoas that are harder to keep than others. For instance, ive owned darth maul zoas and they did fine, then i gave my friend a frag( he has many other zoas ) and his didn't do well. Maybe it was his current, maybe it was his light difference from mine. BOTTOM LINE zoanthids are the easiest to keep pretty much. Certain types are harder than others but i would say they are VERY easy. Many colors and morphs so good luck, and dont spend 100$ per polyp... haha

[jmsalt1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14604778#post14604778 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sr5_Reef
Many colors and morphs so good luck, and dont spend 100$ per polyp... haha

How bout it! Any other thoughts out there?

[audiowerks]

most zoos really easy, the darth mauls and the maryjanes have been noted to not like to be moved around,
i have had problems with fish nipping at the protopalys, (nuclear greens and purple deaths) (purple tang and a blue jaw trigger that have never touched anything else in the tank always eat these.

also i've had really good luck with the dosing of vitamin C so far seems to be really good for the zoas.

[Pufferpunk]

In some tanks, zoas grow like weeds. In my tank some do well while others, after growing to a 100 polyp colony, just melt away for no reason. Vitamin C has taken care of that problem for me & all is great in my tanks. Maybe you won't need it & they'll all grow like weeds in your tank!

[jmsalt1]

Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts / experiences.

[jmsalt1]

Well, after posting this thread last year I purchased a small frag of Zoas from Reef Depot. I think there were probably 10 - 15 polyps which now is in excess of 60 and has spread nicely as you can see. Based on what I could find, the only ID I've been able to come up with is a general description of "Gorilla Nipples". Can anyone else shed some light on this for me?

Bottom line is I am interested in buying some more Zoas and was hoping someone could advise based on the ones pictured and the success I've had with them.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1608&pictureid=10292

Thanks.

[StillerNat]

JM, they look like green bay packers to me but the mouths are different color. could also be close to eyes of rah.

here is a link to coralpedia (http://www.coralpedia.com/index.php?module=Gallery2&g2_itemId=15&g2_page=2). best place to look up zoas.

zoas are like any other coral. there are many of them with different names and different care for them. some like high flow and high light, others are just the opposite.

i lost alot due to alk swings. they would close up so tight and then shrink. so i went out and got a Ca reactor to keep my parameters stable. so far so good.

[hunnicuttz]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=1608&pictureid=10292

Thanks.

They look great whatever they are! :beer:

[jmsalt1]

Hunnicuttz, Thanks for the compliment.

Stillernat, Had that site bookmarked but had forgotten about it. I think you're probably closer than I was on the ID. Thanks!