Zoas not growing but shrinking

[gibbs.david]

I’ve been struggling with Zoas that have been progressively shrinking over 9 months. I cannot establish what the issue is. All parameters are within range with Nitrates and Phosphates at 0, Mg 1300, Ca 430, Kh 9.1, SG1025, temp 78deg. I also filter with Carbon. . I’m at a loss as to why they just wont grow.

 

[John Neuzil]

My guess is because nitrates and phosphates are at zero.

 

[Swav8tor]

I have a similar problem, I dose with stump remover to get nitrates to 2ppm.

 

[gibbs.david]

Thanks but Does stump remover result in improved growth?

 

[Jason mack]

You zoas need nutrients..no3,po4 ..I also dose vitamin c for my zoas ..since then I've not had any melt away

 

[gibbs.david]

I dose vitamin c but only weekly. On the Po and Nitrates I’ve spoken to the LFS who’s suggested increased feeding on nitrates

 

[gibbs.david]

Researched the Spectracide but nit available in the U.K. (or at least can’t find it). I’m assuming any Potassium Nitrate will do. An obvious question, does this not harm anything else in the tank?

 

[Swav8tor]

Researched the Spectracide but nit available in the U.K. (or at least can’t find it). I’m assuming any Potassium Nitrate will do. An obvious question, does this not harm anything else in the tank?

The only thing that I’m watching for harm are my SPS. TheY like cleaner water but I don’t think 2ppm will do much harm.

 

[Swav8tor]

Researched the Spectracide but nit available in the U.K. (or at least can’t find it). I’m assuming any Potassium Nitrate will do. An obvious question, does this not harm anything else in the tank?

Yes, any potassium nitrate should work, there are many food grade that should be available to you in the UK.

 

[gibbs.david]

Well that was a shock. Did my weekly water change. Phosphates in excess of 0.12 from 0.00 on Monday 24th. Checked the water from my LFS and was not phosphate free. This appears to have been the main contributor to the change.

 

[wowow]

learned

 

[wowow]

learned