Comparing zoa and paly growth
Comparing zoa and paly growth
I've got a mixed reef tank with a thriving colony of purple death paly and some mystery green zoas. New paly heads are popping up every few days, but the zoas haven't produced any new heads since I added them to the tank about two months ago. Despite the lack of new growth, the zoas look super healthy and open up fully every day. Anyone else notice that palys seem to grow way faster than zoas?
Re: Comparing zoa and paly growth
My true palys seem to be the fastest growers for me. I recall reading about their impressive 6" radial growth per month in the wild, and I've witnessed a respectable 2" growth in my own tank. It's getting to the point where I'll need to prune them soon.
Generally speaking, I've found that 'proto' palys tend to outpace zoas in terms of growth, but there are definitely exceptions to this rule. Interestingly, I've noticed that the less aesthetically pleasing ones often seem to grow faster.
I have a zoa colony that's actually growing at a pretty rapid rate, while my purple death colony has only added a single head in nine months. The purple deaths are situated next to a thriving colony of rasta zoas, which have really taken off since I upgraded my lighting. However, the increased light seems to be affecting the purple deaths, causing them to not open up fully. Meanwhile, the rasta zoas are flourishing.
To be honest, I'm often left scratching my head trying to understand what factors contribute to the varying growth rates of my paly and zoa colonies.
Generally speaking, I've found that 'proto' palys tend to outpace zoas in terms of growth, but there are definitely exceptions to this rule. Interestingly, I've noticed that the less aesthetically pleasing ones often seem to grow faster.
I have a zoa colony that's actually growing at a pretty rapid rate, while my purple death colony has only added a single head in nine months. The purple deaths are situated next to a thriving colony of rasta zoas, which have really taken off since I upgraded my lighting. However, the increased light seems to be affecting the purple deaths, causing them to not open up fully. Meanwhile, the rasta zoas are flourishing.
To be honest, I'm often left scratching my head trying to understand what factors contribute to the varying growth rates of my paly and zoa colonies.
Re: Comparing zoa and paly growth
I totally get what you're saying. My zoas look great and all, but growth-wise, I just don't see it.