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Are Zoanthids safe with SPS?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 9:05 am
by seafrog
I've got a mixed reef with SPS and Zoanthids, but I'm worried the Zoas might mess with the SPS. Anyone have experience with this combo? My tank's a 75-gallon with Radion lights, 1.026 salinity, and weekly 10% water changes.
Re: Are Zoanthids safe with SPS?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 10:08 am
by lynxfur
Yep, I've run Zoas and SPS together for years. As long as the Zoas aren't touching the SPS, it's usually chill. My Acros grow fine next to a Zoa garden, but I keep 'em spaced out. Tank's a 120-gallon with T5 hybrid lighting, 0 phosphate, and monthly trimmings.
Re: Are Zoanthids safe with SPS?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 11:33 am
by Birdie
seafrog wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 9:05 am
I've got a mixed reef with SPS and Zoanthids, but I'm worried the Zoas might mess with the SPS. Anyone have experience with this combo? My tank's a 75-gallon with Radion lights, 1.026 salinity, and weekly 10% water changes.
It depends on the Zoa species. Some, like Rastas, are pretty tame, but others can get aggressive. What's your alk sitting at? High alk can make SPS more sensitive to allelopathy.
Re: Are Zoanthids safe with SPS?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 12:22 pm
by herbior
I've seen Zoas sting SPS when they're too close. Lost a nice Monti cap that way. Now I keep them on opposite sides of the tank. Running a 60-gallon cube with AI Prime, 8 dKH, and bi-weekly water changes. Maybe try a frag rack to test the waters?
Re: Are Zoanthids safe with SPS?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 1:31 pm
by oceanlover
My Zoas and SPS have been fine together, but I dose amino acids to keep everyone happy. Tank's a 40-gallon breeder with Kessil A360X, 0.03 nitrate, and daily feeding. Maybe it's the extra nutrients that help?
Re: Are Zoanthids safe with SPS?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 5:07 pm
by vortex
Some Zoas pack a punch. I'd avoid putting them near sensitive SPS like Millis. My tank's a 90-gallon with Orphek bars, 7.8 pH, and carbon dosing. Maybe run carbon if you're worried about chemical warfare?
Re: Are Zoanthids safe with SPS?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 6:03 pm
by zeno4
Birdie wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 11:33 am
seafrog wrote: ↑Tue May 27, 2025 9:05 am
I've got a mixed reef with SPS and Zoanthids, but I'm worried the Zoas might mess with the SPS. Anyone have experience with this combo? My tank's a 75-gallon with Radion lights, 1.026 salinity, and weekly 10% water changes.
It depends on the Zoa species. Some, like Rastas, are pretty tame, but others can get aggressive. What's your alk sitting at? High alk can make SPS more sensitive to allelopathy.
Agreed. Alk stability is huge. I keep mine at 8.5 dKH, and my Zoas and SPS coexist fine. 180-gallon with Ecotech pumps, 0.02 phosphate, and auto water changes.
Re: Are Zoanthids safe with SPS?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 6:20 pm
by seafrog
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try moving the Zoas to the sandbed and keep an eye on my alk. Appreciate the help!