Seeking the ideal shade of blue zoanthids with regard to your reef container is honestly one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby. There's just something regarding that specific color that stands apart towards the usual produce and oranges the truth is in most starter tanks. If you've spent any time scrolling through reefing forums or searching local fish store racks, you understand that will true blue is a bit associated with a rarity within the ocean, making these little polyps feel like overall gems when you finally have them completed on your rockwork.
I keep in mind the first time I delivered home a small frag of Tubbs Blues. I was therefore worried about all of them melting or shedding that electric colour, but I quickly realized that while they aren't exactly "set it and neglect it, " they will aren't nearly mainly because intimidating as a few high-end SPS corals. They just have their own little quirks that you require to get utilized to.
Precisely why Blue Zoanthids Stand Out
Let's be real: the majority of our tanks are usually dominated by natural star polyps, neon leathers, or orange colored mushrooms. When you tuck a cluster of blue zoanthids into the crevice, it completely changes the visual dynamic from the scape. Under heavy blue actinic lighting, these guys often take on a sort of "bioluminescent" look that's hard to replicate with any other species.
There are so a lot of variations out presently there, too. You've got the deep, moody navy blues, the bright sky-blue facilities of Blue Hornets, and those twinkling Caribbean varieties that will look almost sterling silver under the correct light. They don't just sit presently there, either. Watching the colony slowly carpeting a rock will be one of these slow-burn satisfactions which makes reefing worth the time and effort.
Finding the Special Spot for Lights
One of the biggest errors I realize people create with blue zoanthids is blasting associated with too much light right away of the door. I get it—you need those colors pop, so a person crank up the LEDs. But honestly? These guys generally choose the "low to medium" side associated with things.
If you put them too high up close to the surface, you'll notice the polyps might stay closed, or worse, they'll begin to look washed out. That radiant blue will turn into a dull, grayish-tan color, which is heartbreaking. I've found that putting them on the bottom level third from the container, or even within the sand bed when you have enough flow, generally keeps them significantly happier.
You'll know they're getting the right amount of lighting when the "skirts" (the little tentacles around the edge) are out plus wavy, and the center is nice and flat. When they start reaching upwards like they're seeking to touch the light, they're telling a person they need a little more "sun. " It's all about finding that middle surface.
Flow Matters More Than You Think
A great deal of people believe that because zoanthids don't have long, flowy tentacles like the torch coral, they don't really care about water movement. That couldn't be further from your truth. Blue zoanthids need enough movement to keep detritus from settling on their heads.
Think regarding it—if a layer of fish feces or uneaten food sits on the polyp for too long, this can cause a contamination or just make the polyp stay closed. Once a single polyp stays shut, it can occasionally trigger a string reaction in the whole colony. You want a "gentle but constant" breeze. They should shake a little bit, but they will shouldn't be getting slammed so hard which they can't stay open up.
The Feeding Debate
Do you in fact need to give food to your blue zoanthids ? Well, it all depends. They're photosynthetic, so they get most of the actual need from your lights. However, when you want them to grow faster and look "meatier, " focus on feeding is the game-changer.
We usually use a poultry baster to puff a little little bit of powdered coral reefs food or a few reef snow over them a few times the week. You'll notice them curl up into little tennis balls because they grab the particles. It's quite cool to watch. Just be careful not to overdo it. Overfeeding potential clients to high phosphates and nitrates, and while zoas actually like "dirty" water more than several other corals, you don't need full-blown hair algae breakout covering your expensive blue polyps.
Keeping Pests in Bay
This is actually the part of the hobby no one likes talking about, but we have to. Zoas, including our favorite blue types, can be magnets for certain pests. I actually learned the difficult way that missing a coral drop is a formula for disaster.
Keep an eye out regarding zoa-eating nudibranchs . They're tiny, sneaky, and so they often take upon the color of the coral they're taking in. If you see your blue zoanthids disappearing one by one, get a flashlight out during the night and look for those little slugs. One more thing to watch regarding is "zoa pox"—little white bumps upon the stalks. If you catch things early, you can generally save the nest using a quick dip in some specialized coral reefs cleaner or also a fresh water dip if you're feeling brave, though I prefer the medicinal stuff.
Growth and Fragging
Among the coolest issues about keeping blue zoanthids is definitely that once they're happy, they really take off. You'll begin with a frag of three or four polyps, and some months later, you've got a dozen.
In case they start growing over a rock and roll you didn't want for them to cover, you can always frag them. Now, the word of caution: zoanthids carry palytoxin . It's serious. When you're going to reduce them or proceed them around, put on gloves and eye protection. I've noticed too many scary stories of people getting sick because they accidentally squirted some coral fruit juice in their eyesight or had a cut on their particular hand. Be wise, stay safe, plus enjoy the process of sharing your own blue colony along with friends.
Balance is King
At the finish of the day, blue zoanthids aren't demanding a perfectly pristine lab-grade environment. What they will really want is usually stability. They'd rather have slightly elevated nitrates that stay the same daily compared to "perfect" levels that swing wildly every time you perform a water switch.
I attempt to keep our alkalinity and salinity as rock-steady as possible. If a person notice your zoas closing up for a day or 2, don't panic plus start dumping chemical substances in the tank. Usually, they're just shedding a coating of film or reacting to the minor change. Provide them time, keep your hands out associated with the tank, plus more often compared to not, they'll open up back up more vibrant than just before.
Final Thoughts on the Blue Hues
Including blue zoanthids to your reef any of those choices you won't regret. Whether you go for the particular high-end designer titles or just an universal "blue tubbs" variety, they bring the specific kind of miracle to the aquarium. They're hardy enough for beginners yet beautiful enough that will even the most experienced reefers keep all of them in their screen tanks.
Just remember: keep the light average, the flow steady, and always, constantly dip your frags. If you do those three issues, you'll be looking at a stunning carpeting of blue within no time. It's an individual man's video game, but man, when that blue light hits those polyps just right in the particular evening, there's not more than that like it.