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Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 2:33 pm
by brooksy
I've got a mixed reef tank with mostly softies, but my Zoanthids aren't opening up like they used to. Running a basic LED setup, nothing fancy. Wondering if they can handle lower light or if I need to upgrade.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 4:10 pm
by onyxine
Zoanthids are pretty adaptable, but they do need some light to thrive. What's your PAR reading? If it's below 50, they might just be surviving, not thriving. I'd suggest bumping it up to at least 100 for decent growth.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 4:54 pm
by saltnet_9
onyxine wrote: ↑Thu Aug 28, 2025 4:10 pm
Zoanthids are pretty adaptable, but they do need some light to thrive. What's your PAR reading? If it's below 50, they might just be surviving, not thriving. I'd suggest bumping it up to at least 100 for decent growth.
Yep, agree with this. Mine started coloring up way better after I adjusted my lights. Also, how often are you feeding them? They can get some energy from food if the light's low.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 5:08 pm
by bakerslab
I've kept Zoanthids in shaded areas of my tank, and they did okay, but growth was slow. If you're cool with that, they'll survive. But if you want them to pop, more light's the way to go.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 6:40 pm
by peaceandpain
Mine are under cheap LEDs and they're alive, but they're not exactly thriving. Kinda just chillin'. Thinking about upgrading my lights too, but gotta save up first.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 7:35 pm
by redvolt
Low light can work, but it's not ideal. Zoanthids are photosynthetic, so they'll struggle without enough light. What's your current light schedule? Maybe tweaking that could help without buying new gear.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 9:06 pm
by brooksy
Thanks for the input, everyone. Gonna try adjusting my light schedule first and see if that helps before dropping cash on new lights.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 9:41 pm
by brooksky
brooksy wrote: ↑Thu Aug 28, 2025 9:06 pm
Thanks for the input, everyone. Gonna try adjusting my light schedule first and see if that helps before dropping cash on new lights.
Smart move. Sometimes it's the little tweaks that make the biggest difference. Let us know how it goes.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 10:20 pm
by Lunoxe
I've had Zoanthids in low light for months, and they're still kicking. Not growing fast, but they're not dying either. If you're patient, they might adapt.
Re: Can zoanthids tolerate low light?
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2025 11:17 pm
by BuzzJag
What's the wattage on your LEDs? Mine are under 20W and they're doing fine, but I feed them reef roids weekly.