zooanthids

[Mogo]

After 6 or 7 years, my zooanthids are taking over my aquarium and slowly squeezing out other corals. (I never bought them, they're hitch hikers on original live rock). The time is now to act. My lfs's have agreed to swap me new lr for my polyp infested ones. I figure I need to change out about 1/2 (at least) of the lr in my 150 8O to get them back in control.

- Before I dive in and start introducing a lot of new lr into my tank, are there other proven ways of "controling" zooanthids safely?
- Am I in for a major aquarium reno where I should remove fish and other corals and basically restart?

 

[fungia]

there isnt any sure-fire ways, but there are butteflies that will usually eat them, problem is, these fish will eat other corals too.

i would set up a container to cure the new rock. hopefully, your lfs will allow you some time to let this new rock cure before asking you to send in your old rock. you will probably need to remove your corals with the amount of rock you plan on replacing, the fish will probably do fine without being removed. expect a lot of detritus to be kicked up in the process. id use mechanical filters during this time and have some new water ready for a water change the next day.

you dont need to restart the tank, although at 6-7 years old, it might not be a bad idea either.

 

[SnowManSnow]

I would also check around with some other reefers to see if they would be interested in the zoarocks. Lots of new reefers would love to get their hands on some for a cheap price.

B.

 

[matroxD]

I know I would if I can get a handle on my little hair algea problem, but I am only two weeks into cycling.

 

[ChrisRD]

You can always try to find some zoanthid eating snails...

 

[Mogo]

Thanks for your posts guys. I found a local who will take some of my zoo's to feed his moorish idol. The snails thing is a great idea and I'm pursuing it because I probably will never get rid of all the zoas by swapping out 1/2 the lr.

Looks like a major tank reno coming up, but after a number of years, it'll be probably be worth it anyways. Just have to do some major league planning first. Thanks again all...

 

[Jimmy G]

Will those Zoo eating snails eat Palythoa's? Do they bother anything besides Zooanthids?