Zoa Discoloration

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by ClowningAround, Dec 12, 2008.

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  1. ClowningAround

    ClowningAround Bristle Worm

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    This isn't a major problem I just wanted to know why my armegeddon zoa changed color. It used to be very bright in color and now its almost kinda dull lately, but the baby that just spit from in looks like the other one once did. Could the other zoa be stressing out since its spliting?

    All my zoas in my tank look like they normally do so it has me stumped!!
     
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  3. Bogie

    Bogie Snowflake Eel

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    It could have something to do with the flow, lighting or other tank parameters (Ca, Mg, etc... Mine have gone from a red/rust color to a brown/tan color lately...
     
  4. antonym518

    antonym518 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    no one can tell you for sure. What kind of lighting, flow? Its hard to say. Its probably fine.
     
  5. ClowningAround

    ClowningAround Bristle Worm

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    Well its in a 12g nano with 48 watts pc. I have over 20 diff types of zoas, acans, and frogspawn everything looks great. My calcium is at 400 my alk is normal mag is 1300
     
  6. nanoreefer555

    nanoreefer555 Fire Shrimp

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    Perhaps your light bulbs are too old. I have noticed that corals tend to pick up or lose coloration in response to increases/decreases in adequate lighting. Also, my zoas tend not to develop fully bright colors until they are mature. The new growth always looks dull in my tank.
     
  7. flricordia

    flricordia Plankton

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    Keeping zoas as the main coral in my tank I have noticed a few factors that seem to help keep bright colors in my zoanthids. Higher temps (80F), salinity (35ppt), addition of iodine and lighting seem to help keep them bright.
    Currently I have T5 Marineglos and 14k Phoenix MH over them. SOme types like pinks and reds need lower lighting and I keep them in the lower, shaded areas of the tank, though some that have been long term residents I have slowely moved toward the light and they seem to have adjusted.
    As I mentioned, iodine plays an important role in keeping zoanthids healthy. I use Kent's Iodine and have since 1992 when I first started keeping reef tanks. When I have stopped using it I have noticed a decline in growth, color and even health in zoanthids.
    Unlike most corals (zoanthids are not true corals, they are more closely related to anemones-family sea-anemone/colonial anemone) zoanthids do not bleach when under intense lighting, but rather darken or lighten.
    If the lighting is too strong they will also not open as full and if it is too weak they tend to stretch toward the surface, their stalks growing longer.
    If I were to guess I would say that both lack of lighting and trace elements such as iodine, molybedenium and strontium may be the cause of your armors not retaining their bright colors.
    More frequent water changes (10%-20%) along with new bulbs may help if you are not comfortable with using trace element additions.
    The problem with PC bulbs is that their life is not long, they normally need to be changed every 6-8 months to keep the best spectum.
    [​IMG]
     
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  9. ClowningAround

    ClowningAround Bristle Worm

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    Thank you for the responses especially the last one
    I recently moved the zoa towards the highest part in my tank and it start losing color maybe it like where it was before
     
  10. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    hope all works out.. Do you have any pics of your nano cube??
     
  11. antonym518

    antonym518 Purple Spiny Lobster

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    in my experiences zoas have always been colorful. Grow faster then anything else. Just get them good light good flow and good water params. I never have my water tested. I add cal iodine essential elements and a filter feeder type food, once a week. Do water changes when I can.

    You are doing the right thing by moving them and noticing that there is a problem. That is the best thing about my addiction to this, my detail. I look at everything almost everyday, if something is off its time to fix it. My tank.

    [​IMG]
     
  12. ClowningAround

    ClowningAround Bristle Worm

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    I dont have any recent pictures they are all old when I get my camera back I will post some pics.

    That tank looks amazing!!!!