zooanthis polyps

[papaya]

i would like to get a blue zooanthis colony for my 30-40 gal tank (not yet decided). could you please give me some advice on feeding, lighting, water circulation, and water quality requirements of zooanthis? anything would help i dont know much

[ChemGuy]

Check this out.
Feeding Zoanthids Care Tips & Gallery at Blane Perun's TheSea.Org

[papaya]

thanks! that was very helpful

[reeferguru]

The success in maintaining zoanthids, Palythoas or other Button Colonial Polyps has alot to do with place of origin, depth of water found in, lighting intensity among other factors.
On the whole, zoanthids do not require much by way of husbandry requirements. On the contrary, somewhat elevated nitrate levels, moderate water flow at best, and target feeding not needing to be performed, though Palythoas and Parazoanthus species will accept larger food stuff like brine shrimp and will excellerate their growth and reproduction.
Lighting is the grey area regarding colonial polyps, in my opinion. Kelvin color and intensity levels can portray very different coloration contrasts on the same species of polyp. In otherwords what may look one color in your local pet shops tank may look totally different under your lighting scheme. Taking this one step further and the intensity of your lighting can illustrate a different color as well with the vibrant color that should be assumed may not be realized under either extreme or sub par lighting. For example, my experience has been that Tubb's Blue Zoanthids such as what you would like to purchase, do much better under reduced lighting rather than say placed under strong T-5 or metal halide, unless positioned down low or under indirect lighting. Other species of zoanthids may prefer higher lighting intensities such as Red Hornets and People Eaters, however, the best way for you to know is to experiement with placement, light intensity, water flow, nitrate, phosphate and pH levels especially.

[papaya]

wow! thanks........should i worry about spreading

[reeferguru]

I would think you would want them to grow and spread! Unless you have a small tank or corals that may come in contact with your zoanthids causing possible polyp contraction, or other problems.

[papaya]

40 gal tank....and i dont want them to cover ALL of my rocks and decorations

[rluix]

Papaya, theres somthing i would like to know, since your starting all these threads about first corals, clean up crew, etc,do you intend to get them in the tank right way or will you let your tank cycle? im asking this because i have no info on what you intend to do, thanks!

[papaya]

Sorry! i will let my tank cycle for a while (with live rock and sand) and then add my cleanup crew.....after that ill add a few fish.....and several months later (4-6) ill add a coral or two and a bubble tip anemone (if all goes well and i think i can handle it that is)

[reeferguru]

I would give it serious consideration regarding incorporating both anemones and corals in the same tank since anemones are notorious for moving around and will injure or kill any coral they come in contact with.

[papaya]

i was thinking that i would start with a bubble tip anemone......wait for it to settle in one spot....and then add some corals (spaced far away)

[reeferguru]

Its possible though there are no guarantees that it will stay there.

[papaya]

if i notice it roming ill put the zoas somewhere it wont go;)