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Zoanthid Coral Care
Zoanthids, often called “zoas,” are a popular choice among reef aquarists due to their stunning colors, hardiness, and ease of care. They are soft corals that can thrive in a variety of tank conditions, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced reef keepers.
Key Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Various genera, such as Zoanthus and Palythoa.
- Common Names: Zoas, Button Polyps.
- Lighting Requirement: Low to moderate.
- Flow Requirement: Low to moderate.
- Aggressiveness: Low; may spread and overgrow nearby corals.
- Placement: Lower to mid-tank; adaptable.
- Growth Form: Colonial; grows in mats.
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Tank Parameters
Zoanthids are hardy but thrive best under stable and ideal water parameters. Here’s what to aim for:
- Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
- Salinity: 1.025–1.026 (Specific Gravity)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
- Nitrates: 5–10 ppm (slightly elevated nitrates promote better growth and coloration)
- Phosphates: 0.03–0.1 ppm (minimal but not zero)
Lighting
Zoanthids are adaptable to various lighting conditions:
- Use low to moderate lighting (PAR 100–250).
- Place in areas where they will not receive direct, intense light unless slowly acclimated.
- Use appropriate blue spectrum lighting to enhance their vibrant coloration.
Tip: If zoas appear to stretch toward the light, they may not be receiving enough. Conversely, if they bleach or close up, the light may be too intense.
Flow Requirements
- Moderate, random flow is ideal to prevent detritus buildup on the polyps while avoiding too much direct flow, which can irritate them.
- Use powerheads or wave makers to create gentle, variable currents.
Placement and Compatibility
- Place zoanthids on rocks or frag plugs where they can spread. Avoid placing them too close to other corals, as they may overgrow nearby areas.
- They are compatible with most tank inhabitants but may close temporarily if disturbed by fish or invertebrates.
Feeding
- Zoanthids are photosynthetic, relying primarily on their symbiotic zooxanthellae algae for energy.
- Supplemental Feeding: Occasional feeding of fine coral foods, like Reef Roids or phytoplankton, can enhance growth and color.
- Feed at night or when polyps are fully open for better response.
Propagation
Zoanthids grow quickly under ideal conditions, spreading across rocks or frag plugs. Fragging them is easy:
- Remove the rock or frag plug from the tank.
- Use a clean, sharp blade or coral shears to carefully separate a few polyps.
- Attach the cut polyps to a new frag plug using reef-safe glue.
- Return them to a low-flow area of the tank to recover.
Pest and Problem Management
While zoas are hardy, they are not immune to pests or diseases:
Pests:
- Zoanthid-Eating Nudibranchs: Small, camouflaged predators that consume polyps. Inspect new frags and manually remove pests.
- Asterina Starfish: Some species may graze on zoas.
- Spiders: Tiny, hard-to-see spiders can attack polyps.
Algae and Overgrowth:
- Keep algae growth under control to prevent it from smothering the zoanthids.
- Ensure clean water and an appropriate clean-up crew.
Palytoxin Warning:
- Some zoanthids, especially Palythoa species, can produce palytoxin, a potent toxin harmful to humans. Handle them with gloves, and avoid inhaling fumes from exposed or stressed colonies.
Dipping New Corals:
- Use coral dips like iodine or commercial solutions to remove pests before introducing zoas to your tank.
Signs of Health Issues
- Polyps remain closed for days: Check water parameters, light, flow, and potential pests.
- Fading or bleaching colors: Adjust lighting intensity or check for nutrient deficiencies.
- Shrinking or disintegrating polyps: Indicates poor water quality or disease.
Key Maintenance Tips
- Maintain stable water parameters through regular testing.
- Keep the zoanthid colony free of detritus and algae with proper flow and cleanup crew.
- Monitor for spreading to undesired areas, as they can overgrow slower-growing corals.
- Practice caution when handling to avoid palytoxin exposure.
Final Thoughts
Zoanthids are low-maintenance, fast-growing corals that add a splash of color and diversity to your reef tank. With proper care, stable water conditions, and regular monitoring, they will thrive and become a vibrant centerpiece in your aquarium.
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