Knowledgable Zoa/Paly People I'm Calling You OUT!

[schminksbro]

Jim I personally think this is true far more often then not. I answered a thread on another forum where the OP posted up some pictures of pinched polyps and ask for suggestions to the cause. I asked about water quality and was assured that that was definitely not the issue as all parameters were spot on. Others jumped on board and stated that they were experiencing similar issues and their parameters were also spot on. I later posted up that I had seen similar issues in my tank and that I noticed them my alk had dropped. Several semi aggresive water changes later, the polyps in question had reverted to their normal look. After double checking, several of the other posters admitted that their water parameters were not quite as spot on as they thought. Not saying this is always the case, just saying that in this particular case, is seemed to be the issue.

Based on your observations and those of others, just how important would you say that alk levels are to the long term health of Zs-n-Ps? I often wonder how often people have bouncing alk levels, adjust their levels to "normal" levels, things go down hill and they go looking for answers.

I am inclined to think that when alk drops your Ph is allowed to swing and that may be a factor with zoas.

[Wy Renegade]

I am inclined to think that when alk drops your Ph is allowed to swing and that may be a factor with zoas.

Andy, thanks for going the discussion. I am correct in stating that you're saying the pH changes (a result of alk drops) are a bigger issue for zoas than the drop in alkalinity? Interesting thought. Does anyone know how much dripping Kalk impacts pH? Wonder if we might be able to tie these together to support or refute thoughts on Alk or pH changes?

[Sharkboy87]

I have seen this zoa "shedding" before. Especially on newly imported zoanthid colonies. I assumed it was stress and shipping, causing the zoanthids to shed some mucus. Possibly due to lack of light for 24 hour period, in combination with poor water chemistry?

Other than that i believe the fragging of zoanthus/palythoa colonies into tiny frags might cause the same level of stress for the animal.

[Sir Patrick]

schminksbro-

I am inclined to think that when alk drops your Ph is allowed to swing and that may be a factor with zoas.

I agree completely. I always look for a the possibility of an alk swing first when trying to figure out whats going on with my polyps, and move on down the list from there.

[ambulldog615]

Ive had this happen a couple times and it was always accompanied by stray voltage (a heater going bad) or water temp getting too cold or to warm. But this has been just what I noticed in my take. I think certain zoa are more tempermental to issues mentioned. Once correcting one of the issues, things got alot better for me and they'd make a come back if it was too late.

[Kev Apsley]

I have seen this zoa "shedding" before. Especially on newly imported zoanthid colonies. I assumed it was stress and shipping, causing the zoanthids to shed some mucus. Possibly due to lack of light for 24 hour period, in combination with poor water chemistry?

Other than that i believe the fragging of zoanthus/palythoa colonies into tiny frags might cause the same level of stress for the animal.

yup the fuuny thing is this piece I was referring to was a newly acquired frag from a buddy's tank...so maybe the stress of moving it into my tank caused the "shedding" to occur?

all the tissue underneath where the skin "shed" away all looks good and new, almost like it was a way for the coral to cleanse itself

I dunno maybe I am crazy and just seeing things but I'd swear LOL

[Sir Patrick]

Stray voltage- another big one!

[Wy Renegade]

yup the fuuny thing is this piece I was referring to was a newly acquired frag from a buddy's tank...so maybe the stress of moving it into my tank caused the "shedding" to occur?

all the tissue underneath where the skin "shed" away all looks good and new, almost like it was a way for the coral to cleanse itself

I dunno maybe I am crazy and just seeing things but I'd swear LOL

Well based on other posts I would say that you may be on to something here. Guess I'll have to pay a little more attention to mine in the future and see if I notice them shedding. Anybody notice this response when doing water changes? I've noticed that a number of corals (including some palys) will slime in response to water changes.

[Kev Apsley]

Well based on other posts I would say that you may be on to something here. Guess I'll have to pay a little more attention to mine in the future and see if I notice them shedding. Anybody notice this response when doing water changes? I've noticed that a number of corals (including some palys) will slime in response to water changes.

yes, all my acros slime when I do a wc but never noticed any of my z's and p's slime up so I'm not 100% sure what caused the "shedding" that I observed, that particular zoa has yet to open btw

I also want to add that 3% hydrogen peroxide will definitely wipe out any nusiance algae from frag plugs

[Wy Renegade]

yes, all my acros slime when I do a wc but never noticed any of my z's and p's slime up so I'm not 100% sure what caused the "shedding" that I observed, that particular zoa has yet to open btw

I also want to add that 3% hydrogen peroxide will definitely wipe out any nusiance algae from frag plugs

Keeping my fingers crossed for you zoa. Good to know on the hydrogen perioxide, I've seen a fair amount of discussion on the topic, but never seen anything conclusive for sure till now.