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Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2025 8:04 pm
by airtys
I've got a mixed reef with Zoanthids and SPS, but my Zoas aren't opening fully. Anyone else deal with this? Tank's a 75g, running Radion XR15s, params are 8.1 pH, 1.025 salinity, 0 nitrates.
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2025 9:27 pm
by maverick
How long have they been closed? SPS can be aggressive with chemical warfare. Maybe try carbon or increasing flow around the Zoas. My 120g had similar issues till I moved them to lower light.
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2025 11:22 pm
by Auroral
airtys wrote: ↑Fri Jul 04, 2025 8:04 pm
I've got a mixed reef with Zoanthids and SPS, but my Zoas aren't opening fully. Anyone else deal with this? Tank's a 75g, running Radion XR15s, params are 8.1 pH, 1.025 salinity, 0 nitrates.
Zero nitrates might be the culprit. Zoas like a bit of dirtier water. Try feeding more or bumping nitrates to 5-10ppm. My SPS don't mind it.
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 12:01 am
by FishyFan
Yep, SPS can be bullies. I'd check for pests too—flatworms love Zoas. Dip 'em if you haven't. My tank's a 90g with similar lighting, and my Zoas perked up after a coral dip.
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 2:02 am
by Silva
Weird vibe in my tank when I mixed them. Zoas just kinda sulked till I moved 'em to their own corner. Maybe they're just picky neighbors?
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 2:29 am
by holybrook
maverick wrote: ↑Fri Jul 04, 2025 9:27 pm
How long have they been closed? SPS can be aggressive with chemical warfare. Maybe try carbon or increasing flow around the Zoas. My 120g had similar issues till I moved them to lower light.
Carbon's a good call. Also, what's your alk at? SPS demand stability, but Zoas can get cranky if alk swings too much. My 80g runs at 8.5dKH, and both play nice.
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 3:46 am
by fluffnut
Mine did the same till I tweaked the flow. Too much direct current made 'em stay shut. Maybe point your powerheads away?
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 4:48 am
by airtys
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try carbon and bump nitrates a bit. Alk's steady at 8.0, but I'll keep an eye on it.
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 6:32 am
by maverick
holybrook wrote: ↑Sat Jul 05, 2025 2:29 am
maverick wrote: ↑Fri Jul 04, 2025 9:27 pm
How long have they been closed? SPS can be aggressive with chemical warfare. Maybe try carbon or increasing flow around the Zoas. My 120g had similar issues till I moved them to lower light.
Carbon's a good call. Also, what's your alk at? SPS demand stability, but Zoas can get cranky if alk swings too much. My 80g runs at 8.5dKH, and both play nice.
Solid advice. Stability's key. I run my 120g at 8.3dKH, and my Zoas are thriving next to Acros. Just takes time to balance.
Re: Zoanthids with SPS tank mates
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 7:08 am
by Auroral
Let us know how it goes. Sometimes it's just a waiting game—my Zoas took weeks to adjust after a rescape.