Zoanthid garden setup ideas

[mindflux]

I'm planning a Zoanthid garden in my 40-gallon tank and wanna make sure I get the layout right. Got a mix of Rastas, Sunny Ds, and Bam Bams. What's the best way to arrange them for growth and color contrast? Running two AI Primes at 60% intensity, 0.03 phosphate, 8.1 pH, and 78°F.

[sunnygold]

For color contrast, group the Rastas and Bam Bams together since they're both high-energy colors, then place the Sunny Ds slightly apart. They'll pop more that way. Keep them mid to high in the tank under your Primes, but watch for bleaching if the light's too intense. What's your flow like?

[coralsa]

For color contrast, group the Rastas and Bam Bams together since they're both high-energy colors, then place the Sunny Ds slightly apart. They'll pop more that way. Keep them mid to high in the tank under your Primes, but watch for bleaching if the light's too intense. What's your flow like?

Yep, flow matters big time. I've got mine in a mixed reef with moderate flow, and they're spreading like crazy. Maybe start with low to medium flow and adjust if they're not opening fully.

[mindflux]

Thanks for the tips! Flow's from two Nero 3s at 30% on random mode. I'll try grouping the bright ones together and keep the Sunny Ds separate. Gonna tweak the light intensity too, maybe drop it to 50% to play it safe.

[snowmixer]

I've got a similar setup but with Eagle Eyes and Utter Chaos. They're chill with lower light, around 40% on my Primes. How often are you dosing? I found mine grew faster with weekly amino acids.

[crystal]

Mine didn't do great until I switched to a finer substrate. The sandy bottom seems to keep them happier. Maybe check your sandbed depth? Also, what salt mix are you using?

[sunnygold]

Mine didn't do great until I switched to a finer substrate. The sandy bottom seems to keep them happier. Maybe check your sandbed depth? Also, what salt mix are you using?

Interesting point. I use CaribSea Arag-Alive with a 2-inch sandbed. The grain size might affect how they anchor. Mindflux, what's your substrate like?

[mindflux]

Using Tropic Eden Reeflakes, about 1.5 inches deep. Salt mix is Red Sea Blue Bucket. Haven't tried aminos yet, but I'll grab some. Snowmixer, how much do you dose per week?

[snowmixer]

Just 5ml of Brightwell Aquatics Aminos every Sunday. They're not fussy, but it gives 'em a boost. Also, keep an eye on your alk. Zoas can be weird if it swings too much.

[coralsa]

Totally agree on the alk point. Mine closed up for a week when my alk hit 12 dKH. Brought it down to 8.5, and they're happy again. Mindflux, you testing alk regularly?