Lower Light Zoa Suggestions - Needed

[Bear22]

Hey Zoa Experts,

I am looking for suggestions for some Zoa varieties that do ok in lower light/PAR levels. I am setting up a 11 gallon nano using a Kessil A80 light. What types/varieties might you suggest?

Cheers,
G

 

[Aaron75]

So the thing about zoas is they are capable of thriving in low or high light, they will react differently. I have sonic flares right next to exosphere that are reaching like crazy despite being right next to eachother, but i wouldn't consider either to be high or low light zoas. Just completely random I guess.

 

[tzabor10]

Grows like a weed. I can barely keep it contained.

 

[Bear22]

So the thing about zoas is they are capable of thriving in low or high light, they will react differently. I have sonic flares right next to exosphere that are reaching like crazy despite being right next to eachother, but i wouldn't consider either to be high or low light zoas. Just completely random I guess.

I am re-entering the hobby after over a decade hiatus. Back in those days all these varieties of zoas were not commonly available as they are these days, plus they were a heck of a lot more expensive. So, been doing the research and it's nice to see all these nice zoa selections. That being said I am seeing all kinds of variance/opinions on light levels. From 300 par to 50 par. So, I trying to separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak.

 

[Bear22]

Grows like a weed. I can barely keep it contained.

Pretty for sure!

Next question: what zoa varieties tend to have the smaller size polyps?

 

[Aaron75]

I think it's easier to set your PAR and make zoas work. Like I think any zoa will do fine in 150 par, I think some will struggle or stretch in 50 par and I think some patterns will get altered in 300 par. 150 is a good middle ground for success.

I am re-entering the hobby after over a decade hiatus. Back in those days all these varieties of zoas were not commonly available as they are these days, plus they were a heck of a lot more expensive. So, been doing the research and it's nice to see all these nice zoa selections. That being said I am seeing all kinds of variance/opinions on light levels. From 300 par to 50 par. So, I trying to separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak.

 

[Bear22]

I think it's easier to set your PAR and make zoas work. Like I think any zoa will do fine in 150 par, I think some will struggle or stretch in 50 par and I think some patterns will get altered in 300 par. 150 is a good middle ground for success.

Yeah, I am thinking I may have to adjust fire with my lighting. Dang it. It's only money, right?

 

[Aaron75]

Yeah, I am thinking I may have to adjust fire with my lighting. Dang it. It's only money, right?

You could just do trial and error. Like I said, some will do fine in low light.

 

[tzabor10]

Pretty for sure!

Next question: what zoa varieties tend to have the smaller size polyps?

Just email Keith @WWC to help out. He is great. These are much smaller and have doubled since I got them a few months ago.

 

[Bear22]

Just email Keith @WWC to help out. He is great. These are much smaller and have doubled since I got them a few months ago.

I sure will. Thanks for the name and email drop.

 

[JoJosReef]

My JF Mind Tricks did not do well in higher par. Almost lost them. Moving them to the side of the tank where maybe they get 100 PAR wirked better. Growing slowly though.

 

[Aaron75]

Yeah, I am thinking I may have to adjust fire with my lighting. Dang it. It's only money, right?

Here's a picture to show what I mean. 2 different zoas, right next to each other, one nice and tucked on the rock, one reaching like crazy.

 

[Bear22]

Here's a picture to show what I mean. 2 different zoas, right next to each other, one nice and tucked on the rock, one reaching like crazy.

Definitely a stark contrast.