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Just set up my first saltwater tank, 30 gallons with a pair of clownfish. Got some Zoanthids and a Duncan, but they're not opening up much. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate at 10 ppm. Running a Kessil A160 light. What am I missing?

Hey MikeyKid, sounds like your setup's pretty solid. How's the flow in there? Duncans can be picky about current. Maybe dial it back a bit if it's too strong. Also, what's your salinity sitting at?

Lighting could be a factor too. Kessils are great, but how long are you running them daily? Zoanthids usually like moderate light, around 8–10 hours. And are you dosing anything? Calcium and alkalinity levels matter for their growth.

Coralay wrote: ↑Tue Aug 05, 2025 1:45 pm Lighting could be a factor too. Kessils are great, but how long are you running them daily? Zoanthids usually like moderate light, around 8–10 hours. And are you dosing anything? Calcium and alkalinity levels matter for their growth.

Yep, second that. Also, check your magnesium. Low mag can mess with calcium uptake. Aim for 1350–1450 ppm.

My Zoas didn't open for days until I moved them lower in the tank. Maybe yours are getting too much light? Try shading them slightly and see if they perk up.

I'm new too, but my Duncan took a week to open fully. Patience might be key here. How long have they been in the tank?

Yo, MikeyKid, you got this! My Zoas were shy at first too. Try feeding 'em some reef roids, they'll pop open real quick. Also, what's your temp? Stability's everything.

paulos wrote: ↑Tue Aug 05, 2025 8:27 pm Yo, MikeyKid, you got this! My Zoas were shy at first too. Try feeding 'em some reef roids, they'll pop open real quick. Also, what's your temp? Stability's everything.

Reef roids are a solid suggestion. Also, make sure your clownfish aren't bothering them. Mine used to nip at my corals before I rearranged the rockwork.

Honestly, my tank's a mess, but my Zoas thrive. Maybe it's just the vibe. How's your pH? Mine's all over the place, but they don't seem to care.

felinxo wrote: ↑Tue Aug 05, 2025 11:07 pm Honestly, my tank's a mess, but my Zoas thrive. Maybe it's just the vibe. How's your pH? Mine's all over the place, but they don't seem to care.

pH stability is crucial long-term, even if they're hardy. MikeyKid, test your pH and aim for 8.1–8.4. Also, how old is your tank? New tanks can have swings that stress corals.