Zoanthids not opening!

[TimmyG]

I am having problems with some of the Zoanthids that I have not opening! I want to know what I should check that would do this.

[David Grigor]

Could be just about anything, but the most important is to be sure you don't have the zoanthid eating nudibranches. Usually most evident when the lights first come on as the nudibranches are more visable. When you got the zoanthids did you quarantine and/or freshwater dip to minimize having the nudibranches ? Just about all wild caught will have them, and unless trader has specifically erradicated them you can get from them to.

Moral of the story, you need to protect yourself and not rely on others doing it for you.

[KPAX]

If they are new to your tank you may need to have them lower in the tank depending on your lighting system. I always start my zoas lower in the tank and them move them up gradually to the light.

[SLPReefer]

Mine seem to enjoy alternating current.

[TimmyG]

I moved them lower into the tank. as for water movement I have my power head right next to them so there is lots of movement. I am going to check my water to make sure that looks all good.

[TimmyG]

so now that they are lower in the tank they are starting to open up so that must be what part of the problem was!

also what temp. should the tank be at for corals?

[MNGold15]

77-81*F

(Safe range)

[sea monkey]

zoas just do this sometimes : (

far as nudis go , look for the small spiral sacs of eggs , they are a sure sign .

[TimmyG]

so I looked close at the zoas and I could not see any sacs of eggs but there where something on one of the pieces that looked like a feather duster! it is just one big black one.

am I right or what you think that might be? because I don't know what a nudibranches is even!

[TimmyG]

77-81*F

(Safe range)

ok, because with the lights off it is about 78*F but when I turn the lights on it gets up to 84-86*F at the most

[David Grigor]

Yeah, that's definately a concern. When starting to get at 84 you have very little wiggle room for more sensative corals.

Most likely just need better air movement in and around the lights to reduce the temp swings.

[MNGold15]

ok, because with the lights off it is about 78*F but when I turn the lights on it gets up to 84-86*F at the most

Whoa, yeah, try and keep the temp down to 81 at the end of the day. Don't try and lower the temp. in one day, do it slowly over a few days. But be sure to get that temp down!

And try and keep the temp somewhat consistant throughout the day. small swings are fine, but going from 78*F to 84-86*F and back is a big change, that is hard on the livestock.

[sea monkey]

http://www.reefhaven.co.uk/forum/uploads/img-210669-nudi_eggs.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/dlberlin/Debbies%20Reef/nudi.jpg

[TimmyG]

there is nothing like whats in that pic on them that I can see!