hamdogg08
Senior Member
Is there a way to make the zoanthinds in a tank reproduce and grow at a faster rate than just keeping the water parameters in check?
Enhancing zoanthid growth (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter hamdogg08
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Mine seem to grow fastest when I've been a little lazy and the water quality goes down a little.
It also seems as though they don't like it when the alk is high but that is purely an anecdotal observation and I have no evidence.
It also seems as though they don't like it when the alk is high but that is purely an anecdotal observation and I have no evidence.
Some just grow faster than others. I've got some pink ones that do absoultely nothing, but other pink ones from someone else that will grow 20 polyps to just 1 of the other even though they look virtually the same.
Be careful what you ask for, just ask Ken......
Be careful what you ask for, just ask Ken......
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hamdogg08
Senior Member
Would you want to add phytoplankton, or target feed them with anything? I'll be the first to admit that I don't really know what either of these additions are used for.
you can target feed....but some won't actively accept it. Not sure on the phyto
I've heard of people using iodine as well to promote growth in zoos and GSP but I know there could also be some negative effects if you have inverts like shrimp in the tank. I can't say how the iodine works, just that I've heard that people use it.
YiNYaNg
Guest
Iodine I believe protects your corals and livestock from UV radiation and I think it helps with parasites as well. I use the logul's solution and mentions to use 1 drop per 20 per week. I do half that 2 twice per wk. Same amount of dosage. But I've noticed my shrimps shedding consistantly once a month or so. But definately you do not want to over dose iodine *did it once and took 3-4 days to get back to norm.* All my corals shrunk and closed up.
storrisch
Senior Member
there has been some controversy as to whether or not dosing iodine is actually beneficial to a reef tank.
As they say, there is only a very very small amount in natural SW I think like
.06 ppm? Less than 1ppm for sure. It's been working for me in the past so I'm going to continue with it, until my tank says other wise. I'm a strong believer it in because I'm noticed my shrimps also benefitting from it as well, helps shed of the shell and contribute to growth
.06 ppm? Less than 1ppm for sure. It's been working for me in the past so I'm going to continue with it, until my tank says other wise. I'm a strong believer it in because I'm noticed my shrimps also benefitting from it as well, helps shed of the shell and contribute to growth
Few few things actually benefit from Iodine and none of them are found in our aquariums. If you feed frozen foods, your tank is already getting additional iodine.
I've heard that many times before where people think that iodine is helping with a molt but actually just the opposite. Iodine is causing the frequent molts. The more often they molt actually increases chance of dieing during a molt.
Check out the article on Reefcentral chemistry forum for stuidies on iodine.
David, your post are always informative and that is why I have much respect for ya :beerchug:...at least your not just saying "not to use it and doesn't give an explaination to why I should change my ways". :biggthumpup: I will definately look into this more and anything to save $$$ and add less crap into my tank the better it is for me.
Thanks again for the info.
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hamdogg08
Senior Member
Just to piggyback on this, there are lots of different forms of iodine, many of which can't be reasonably tested for by hobbyists. Many of the benefits of these different forms of iodine are also not understood by scientists. Adding an iodine supplement may overdose one form while being deficient in another usable form.
meisen
Senior Member
IME if you dose on the low side its not likely you will overdose iodine....it breaks down and/or is removed fairly quickly in a typical reef aquarium between the activated carbon and skimming. But then again I probably dont add enough to actually do anything either (2-3 drops lugol's/100 G every week).
meisen
Senior Member
Anyway, my experience with zoas is similar. They tend to grow faster when the conditions are more nutrient rich.
I have never target fed my zoas and some of them are growing out of control. As David mentioned they grow at different rates for example my mint green and pinks have hardly grown at all but my orange ones and green with orange centers have grown like crazy.
As an FYI I have never dosed iodine.
Ken
As an FYI I have never dosed iodine.
Ken
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hamdogg08
Senior Member
Bump for this one. Any luck with vitamin C here at TCMAS? I'm sure Grigor has tried it... Cummon David!!?? :gay1:
My Zoas are growing for sure. I notice when I do more frequent WC they do well. But only at small amounts 5 gal at a time for my 180g. twice a week. Also I changed my MH to T5s. which makes the color pop a bit more. I keep my PH @ 8.4-8.5. I haven't tested my CA and ALK in a while, but everything in my tank is thriving, I'll starting to get color back on my SPS and Acros.
A good amount of my fish have died though *sucks* during the aquascaping *New Rock intro* but that is another story.
A good amount of my fish have died though *sucks* during the aquascaping *New Rock intro* but that is another story.
Vitamin C is probably more beneficial to your fish *Soak with Food* But to be honestly I don't think it really does much. I'd try garlic guard or Zoe instead.
I have a bottle of the Kent Vitamin C stuff and didn't see much results. The Zoe and Garlic Guard had a better outcome. especially picky eaters.
But David will tell you...It's all MARKETING