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Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 8:50 am
by midnight
What's the best lighting setup for Zoanthids? I've got a 40-gallon tank with a basic LED strip, but they're not opening up like they used to. Params are stable, 78°F, salinity at 1.025. Should I crank up the blues or add more whites?
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 9:54 am
by zenzero
Zoanthids thrive under moderate lighting. Too much intensity can cause them to close up. Aim for 100–150 PAR. What's your current light schedule? A 10-hour photoperiod with a ramp-up/down works best to mimic natural conditions.
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 10:58 am
by reeker0
I've had luck with a 70/30 blue-to-white ratio. My Zoas pop under that combo. Also, check your flow—they like gentle movement. If they're not opening, might be worth testing for pests like nudis or flatworms.
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 11:09 am
by Cerulean
Agree with the PAR range. I use AI Primes at 40% intensity, 12 inches above the water. My Zoas are on the sandbed and love it. How high are yours placed? Lower light might help if they're stressed.
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 11:21 am
by jason
zenzero wrote: ↑Sat Aug 09, 2025 9:54 am
Zoanthids thrive under moderate lighting. Too much intensity can cause them to close up. Aim for 100–150 PAR. What's your current light schedule? A 10-hour photoperiod with a ramp-up/down works best to mimic natural conditions.
Spot on. I'd add that spectral quality matters too. Zoas respond well to UV and violet wavelengths. If your LED lacks those, consider upgrading.
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 12:37 pm
by Bisco
My tank's similar—40 breeder with Radion XR15s. I run 120 PAR at peak, mostly blues. Zoas are mid-level, fully extended. Maybe dial back the whites and see if they perk up. Also, how old are your bulbs? LEDs lose intensity over time.
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 1:30 pm
by riverside
Mine were sulking until I added a moonlight cycle. Now they're chill and open all day. Weird vibe, but it worked. Maybe try a softer transition between light phases?
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 1:36 pm
by flume
Bisco wrote: ↑Sat Aug 09, 2025 12:37 pm
My tank's similar—40 breeder with Radion XR15s. I run 120 PAR at peak, mostly blues. Zoas are mid-level, fully extended. Maybe dial back the whites and see if they perk up. Also, how old are your bulbs? LEDs lose intensity over time.
Yep, LEDs degrade after 18–24 months. If yours are older, that could explain the lackluster response. Swap 'em out or bump the intensity to compensate.
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 2:42 pm
by midnight
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll tweak the blues and check for pests. Lights are about a year old, so maybe time for an upgrade.
Re: Optimal lighting for Zoanthids
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 2:50 pm
by zenzero
Keep us posted. If they don't improve, test your alkalinity too. Zoas can be finicky about swings. Stable alk around 8–9 dKH is ideal.