Zoa losing color

[Gonj]

Hi there! Picked up these zoas a week or two ago, they opened up right away when putting them in my tank and they’ve seemed to have been doing fine, I noticed today they’re dulling out. They used to be a bright green around the edges the largest head still has some trace of the original colors but the others just look brown. Added some pics below, any thoughts on what could be causing this?

 

[vetteguy53081]

They require moderate light and water flow and iodide in the water
Other factors would be salinity, water temperature, and nitrate levels

 

[redeyejedi]

Either light to low or low nutrients. Test nitrate before raising light intensity.

 

[Gonj]

They require moderate light and water flow and iodide in the water
Other factors would be salinity, water temperature, and nitrate levels

I just got my water tested at my lfs they said I was fine these are my setting for light any recommendations

 

[Gonj]

Either light to low or low nutrients. Test nitrate before raising light intensity.

Is it a possibility they’re getting too much light theyre at the very top of my scape?

 

[Bfragale]

I just got my water tested at my lfs they said I was fine these are my setting for light any recommendations

Do you know what your actual parameters are? Just “fine” doesn’t offer much help to the r2r community to help you. Also alittle more information on the tank- size, age, lighting , flow. All of this could help determine if you have an issue. For me, my zoas really took off once I started dosing iodine. I also notice they like slightly elevated nutrients. Lighting and feeding seem to have helped mine color up.
Good luck my friend and happy reeding.

 

[Gonj]

Do you know what your actual parameters are? Just “fine” doesn’t offer much help to the r2r community to help you. Also alittle more information on the tank- size, age, lighting , flow. All of this could help determine if you have an issue. For me, my zoas really took off once I started dosing iodine. I also notice they like slightly elevated nutrients. Lighting and feeding seem to have helped mine color up.
Good luck my friend and happy reeding.

Nice tank! tank-37g age- a little over a month lighting- FluvalSmart dusk to dawn above settings flow-Ai Nero 6 at 30%

my lfs didn’t give me my exact parameters :/ they usually do but someone new tested it

as for feeding I do throw in some phytofeast for my feather duster I believe the zoas get some of that as well

 

[vetteguy53081]

Is it a possibility they’re getting too much light theyre at the very top of my scape?

Yes, it’s possible

 

[vetteguy53081]

Nice tank! tank-37g age- a little over a month lighting- FluvalSmart dusk to dawn above settings flow-Ai Nero 6 at 30%

my lfs didn’t give me my exact parameters :/ they usually do but someone new tested it

as for feeding I do throw in some phytofeast for my feather duster I believe the zoas get some of that as well

Do you know what method or type of test kit your LFS was using ?

 

[Gonj]

Yes, it’s possible

I’ll try moving them down see if it helps

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’ll try moving them down see if it helps

It should

 

[Gonj]

Do you know what method or type of test kit your LFS was using ?

Not the name but they said it’s a machine that calculates the parameters so there’s no like human error

 

[Bfragale]

Maybe Hanna checkers?

I think you should pick up some test kits for your self- I like Salifert brand tests- they are fairly cheap and I’ve had decent luck with them. API are not that good.

I use the Hanna Checker for alkalinity and phosphates. I also have the nitrate one but it’s a pain to use.

I use Salifert tests for: nitrates, magnesium, calcium.

once cycled you won’t need ammonia or nitrite. But I do have the API on hand in case I need.

for salinity it’s better to use a refractometer over a swing arm tester. Make sure to pick up calibrating fluid, I calibrate mine once a month.

one month is pretty young for a reef tank. The tank will take time to “mature”. We have used this term in the hobby for some time but what it basically means is your tank needs to build biodiversity and a health biome.

I believe the light you have seems ok for soft corals. I couldn’t find a spectrum chart or anything showing what par you might expect. But I read thru some reviews and looks like others are having success with soft corals.

Nero 6 is a good wave maker. Should be ok there.

zoas will get nutrients a from the light, the water column, and from feeding things like mysis shrimp, or reef roids or other small foods. But be careful not to over feed in a young tank as you’re tank may not be able to support the waste just yet.

Hope this helps you out My friend. Take care and happy reefing.

 

[Gonj]

Maybe Hanna checkers?

I think you should pick up some test kits for your self- I like Salifert brand tests- they are fairly cheap and I’ve had decent luck with them. API are not that good.

I use the Hanna Checker for alkalinity and phosphates. I also have the nitrate one but it’s a pain to use.

I use Salifert tests for: nitrates, magnesium, calcium.

once cycled you won’t need ammonia or nitrite. But I do have the API on hand in case I need.

for salinity it’s better to use a refractometer over a swing arm tester. Make sure to pick up calibrating fluid, I calibrate mine once a month.

one month is pretty young for a reef tank. The tank will take time to “mature”. We have used this term in the hobby for some time but what it basically means is your tank needs to build biodiversity and a health biome.

I believe the light you have seems ok for soft corals. I couldn’t find a spectrum chart or anything showing what par you might expect. But I read thru some reviews and looks like others are having success with soft corals.

Nero 6 is a good wave maker. Should be ok there.

zoas will get nutrients a from the light, the water column, and from feeding things like mysis shrimp, or reef roids or other small foods. But be careful not to over feed in a young tank as you’re tank may not be able to support the waste just yet.

Hope this helps you out My friend. Take care and happy reefing.

Thanks so much for all the advice also I got my water tested again with the actual numbers haha, LFS said I was in good shape picked up some iodine per their recommendation

 

[Bfragale]

That’s a pretty cool tester they have. Numbers do looks decent. Once I started dosing iodine I saw an improvement with my zoas. I do a half the recommended dose, as personally I’m always afraid to dose something I can’t test for,, but sounds like your on the right track.

take care and happy reefing!