Redbird5
Well-Known Member
A few weeks ago I was wondering what the next hot zoa would be. Shortly starting my research it ended because really there’s no way of finding that out. An idea hit me, what if I made zoa gardens in shapes?
I’d like to share with the community: Zoa Art Plates — Geometry Meets Reef.
The idea is simple: take a 3-inch ceramic frag tile and turn it into a canvas for living coral artwork.
I’m experimenting with raised geometric walls made from reef-safe epoxy putty to create separate growing zones for zoanthids. The goal is to combine shapes, patterns, and eventually maze-like designs with different zoa varieties, allowing the corals themselves to provide the color.
Think of it as a kind of chia pet for the aquarium—except the artwork grows underwater!
I’m starting small, with a batch of ten ceramic tiles. My first step is to experiment with geometric designs, learn how to build the walls consistently, and see how well the plates work in an actual reef environment. From there, I’d like to develop more original maze designs and, eventually, showcase plates grown out with different zoanthid varieties.
For now, these are experiments, not a proven product. The walls are intended to help define growing zones and potentially slow zoa crossover, but I still need to test how well they work over time.
I’m excited to see where this project goes, and I figured this would be a good community to share the journey with fellow reef enthusiasts.
Zoa Art Plates — Geometry Meets Reef. What I’d like to know is if I’m completely off my rocker or if this is a good idea?
More to come as I start building.
I’d like to share with the community: Zoa Art Plates — Geometry Meets Reef.
The idea is simple: take a 3-inch ceramic frag tile and turn it into a canvas for living coral artwork.
I’m experimenting with raised geometric walls made from reef-safe epoxy putty to create separate growing zones for zoanthids. The goal is to combine shapes, patterns, and eventually maze-like designs with different zoa varieties, allowing the corals themselves to provide the color.
Think of it as a kind of chia pet for the aquarium—except the artwork grows underwater!
I’m starting small, with a batch of ten ceramic tiles. My first step is to experiment with geometric designs, learn how to build the walls consistently, and see how well the plates work in an actual reef environment. From there, I’d like to develop more original maze designs and, eventually, showcase plates grown out with different zoanthid varieties.
For now, these are experiments, not a proven product. The walls are intended to help define growing zones and potentially slow zoa crossover, but I still need to test how well they work over time.
I’m excited to see where this project goes, and I figured this would be a good community to share the journey with fellow reef enthusiasts.
Zoa Art Plates — Geometry Meets Reef. What I’d like to know is if I’m completely off my rocker or if this is a good idea?
More to come as I start building.
