Zoanthids - Do they use of Calcium, Magnesium, and Alkalinity - or is it just Hard Corals (SPS) that

[that Reef Guy]

So I know that Hard Corals (SPS) Utilize a lot of Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium to Build their Hard Skeletons.

So you need to Test and Dose accordingly.

But what about Softies like Zoanthids and Mushrooms?

They have no Hard Skeleton.

So do they need these things or not?

Do they use them at all?

If you had a Reef Tank that had Only Zoanthids and Mushrooms would it be pointless to Test and Dose for Calcium, Magnesium, and Alkalinity.

Or would having all Three of Them all in High Amounts help the Zoanthids Grow Faster like it does for SPS?

 

[redfishbluefish]

They do not utilize them, but I'd still use, as example, Instant Ocean, as a salt to maintain proper ocean levels and pH....but no need to dose.

 

[that Reef Guy]

Do they have to be at a certain level for maximum growth?


I usually Hear


Calcium 450
Magnesium 1350


What Alkalinity do Zoanthids Like?

 

[Pete polyp]

They do not use calcium carbonate (calcium and alkalinity) to build a skeleton, so no "they" don't need it. However, to have a healthy reef you should maintain these levels. There are many other living things that use calcium carbonate besides corals.

Here is a good chart with recommended parameter ranges

 

[terri_ann]

The levels that your salt mix has should be just fine :0) Natural seawater levels are fine or above.

 

[Pete polyp]

The levels that your salt mix has should be just fine :0) Natural seawater levels are fine or above.

Yes they should be fine. Usually the levels in the salt mixes we use are within the target range.

 

[that Reef Guy]

They do not use calcium carbonate (calcium and alkalinity) to build a skeleton, so no "they" don't need it. However, to have a healthy reef you should maintain these levels. There are many other living things that use calcium carbonate besides corals.

Here is a good chart with recommended parameter ranges

What else would use Calcium and Alkalinity besides Corals?

The Fish don't need it. Right? Or do they?

 

[Pete polyp]

The live rock will consume a little bit, coralline algae. No the fish don't need it

 

[Brem]

what about the shrimps, clams, and other shellish inhabitants?
Theyre using ca/mg/kh *** well

 

[Mike J.]

Clams are calcium sponges. Iodine for shrimps.

 

[Meldrath]

Zoa's use Iodine don't they in their soft tissue as well?

 

[flying_dutchman]

One word: Sclerites

 

[flying_dutchman]

So yes they do need calcium etc. but not nearly to the same extend obviously. If you do regular water changes you shouldn't need to worry about it.

 

[Eric N]

They may not incorporate it into their mass, but animals require Ca, Mg, and correct pH for biological processes (e.g. DNA replication or cell-cell adherence) other than mineral skeleton formation. Because they are adapted to an environment with specific and very constant Ca, Mg. and alkalinity, low levels would likely stress them out. So, I would put the effort into maintaining the natural parameters just under the assumption that it is likely needed for optimal health regardless of what type of coral it is.

 

[BlakeyBoyR]

I was under the impression the calcium levels also had an impact on fish. A lack of calcium could affect bone density and cause some other nasties if left for too long.

 

[rosshamsandwich]

i noticed that in my zoanthid dominant tanks, my magnesium gets depleted faster than Ca or Alk I have no idea why............

 

[terri_ann]

Do they have to be at a certain level for maximum growth?


I usually Hear


Calcium 450
Magnesium 1350


What Alkalinity do Zoanthids Like?

Zoas can often have a negative reaction to Alk swings. Like all corals, stable Paramus are best. Zoas will thrive in the usual alk ranges reefers employ. Just keep swings at bay. [emoji4]

 

[Salty65rr]

So would it be recommended to use Instant Ocean Sea Salt or Instant Ocean Reef Crystals?

 

[that Reef Guy]

So would it be recommended to use Instant Ocean Sea Salt or Instant Ocean Reef Crystals?

Neither.

Both are Insanely High in Alkalinity.

I use Tropic Marin Pro.

I Love it.

Alkalinity 8.5

Right where it needs to be.