How to fight back zoas? (1 Viewer)

[Carrie17]

My zoas are infringing on my Digi. How do I push them back?

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[chris85]

Place smaller rocks on top of the zoas... They will eventually move to the rocks.

 

[PorpoiseHork]

I use Aiptasia -X to control Zoa growth on anything other than island rocks. It takes 2-3 applications about a week or so apart to completely kill off the unwanted polyps. After the 2nd or 3rd application you will notice the treated polyps just melt away, but the rest of the colony will be fine. I have done this on several colonies that are fast growers and repeatedly encroach on other corals.

Best to do this after feeding so your fish won't think it's food and disturb it. You may also have to run blocker against fire and cleaner shrimp. Just shut the pumps off and apply a little bit like you would to Aiptasia on each polyp face causing the specific polyps to close. Then put a little more on top of them and leave the pumps off for about 30 min allowing the chemical to do it's job then turn everything back on. It may take a few days to a week for them to open back up after being treated. Once they do treat them again the same way and repeat until they are gone.

 

[Carrie17]

I use Aiptasia -X to control Zoa growth on anything other than island rocks. It takes 2-3 applications about a week or so apart to completely kill off the unwanted polyps. After the 2nd or 3rd application you will notice the treated polyps just melt away, but the rest of the colony will be fine. I have done this on several colonies that are fast growers and repeatedly encroach on other corals.

Best to do this after feeding so your fish won't think it's food and disturb it. You may also have to run blocker against fire and cleaner shrimp. Just shut the pumps off and apply a little bit like you would to Aiptasia on each polyp face causing the specific polyps to close. Then put a little more on top of them and leave the pumps off for about 30 min allowing the chemical to do it's job then turn everything back on. It may take a few days to a week for them to open back up after being treated. Once they do treat them again the same way and repeat until they are gone.

Sounds scary, but I'll look into it. Thank you!

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[reeftopia]

If your talking about a few polyps but what if you have 500 would think that might cause other problems

 

[Carrie17]

I use Aiptasia -X to control Zoa growth on anything other than island rocks. It takes 2-3 applications about a week or so apart to completely kill off the unwanted polyps. After the 2nd or 3rd application you will notice the treated polyps just melt away, but the rest of the colony will be fine. I have done this on several colonies that are fast growers and repeatedly encroach on other corals.

Best to do this after feeding so your fish won't think it's food and disturb it. You may also have to run blocker against fire and cleaner shrimp. Just shut the pumps off and apply a little bit like you would to Aiptasia on each polyp face causing the specific polyps to close. Then put a little more on top of them and leave the pumps off for about 30 min allowing the chemical to do it's job then turn everything back on. It may take a few days to a week for them to open back up after being treated. Once they do treat them again the same way and repeat until they are gone.

I do have both fire and cleaner shrimp. By blocker, do you mean physically fight the shrimp back?

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[PorpoiseHork]

Pretty much, yeah. If you're on good terms with them so that they will come up to your hand if held still for a moment then it will be much easier. After feeding the tank, get a larger chunk of something solid like a frozen krill or similar. Feed them directly so they will be busy with that while you are treating the unwanted zoas. Otherwise you will have to leave your hand or what ever you grab stuff in the tank with near the treatment area. When an inquisitive shrimp comes near, just shoo them away. They are stubborn little buggers so you may have to do that a few times, or give them something else to munch on.

 

[Tenny]

I've always heard kalk paste is a good effective killer also. I am at the point where I'm going to have to start doing this. Unfortunately some Zoa's are taking over and I'm about to start loosing some of the others that aren't as aggressive growers.

Edit: Also may want to run charcoal and just be careful with the toxins that come from them.

 

[PorpoiseHork]

I've always heard kalk paste is a good effective killer also. I am at the point where I'm going to have to start doing this. Unfortunately some Zoa's are taking over and I'm about to start loosing some of the others that aren't as aggressive growers.

Edit: Also may want to run charcoal and just be careful with the toxins that come from them.

Agreed. I always keep my carbon reactor on ready standby and kick it on when I am pruning my wife's numerous zoa colonies.

 

[saltyanimals]

I had run away zoas (basic common green) on a rock and was a constant battle. It was to a decision point to get rid of the rock which I liked for the scape or something else. That something else was a test if GSP would out compete the zoas. Of course you have to ready yourself for GSP getting out of control. Fast forward about a year.... the GSP did overtake the rock cover and pushing the zoas out. As much as I keep GSP on isolated islands, this rock was free standing enough that the risk was acceptable and turned out nice.

I newly found alternative... LASER. Yes i said laser .. like star wars phew phew phew.. lol. I bought a blue laser online and now use it to zap things that are out of place before it gets to be a problem. I've zapped and burned varies polyps, manjano, etc. Won't remove the coral mats, but will kill the polyps and slow/stop the spread. Another example, I had a manjano that was growing on a scoly and stinging it where the tissue was starting to recede. Zapped it the last couple days.. now gone. At first it was a just a fun idea, but ended up really putting it to regular use. There's something satisfying about hearing the burn and popping in your tank from a blue laser. lol

 

[reeftopia]

I also bought a high powered laser but haven had the same results. Will close down a zoa but the next days its back. What laser did you buy?

 

[Carrie17]

I had run away zoas (basic common green) on a rock and was a constant battle. It was to a decision point to get rid of the rock which I liked for the scape or something else. That something else was a test if GSP would out compete the zoas. Of course you have to ready yourself for GSP getting out of control. Fast forward about a year.... the GSP did overtake the rock cover and pushing the zoas out. As much as I keep GSP on isolated islands, this rock was free standing enough that the risk was acceptable and turned out nice.

I newly found alternative... LASER. Yes i said laser .. like star wars phew phew phew.. lol. I bought a blue laser online and now use it to zap things that are out of place before it gets to be a problem. I've zapped and burned varies polyps, manjano, etc. Won't remove the coral mats, but will kill the polyps and slow/stop the spread. Another example, I had a manjano that was growing on a scoly and stinging it where the tissue was starting to recede. Zapped it the last couple days.. now gone. At first it was a just a fun idea, but ended up really putting it to regular use. There's something satisfying about hearing the burn and popping in your tank from a blue laser. lol

I'd also like to know which laser you bought please!

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[gregg]

I found one key to using a laser is shutting off the flow in your tank as much as possible, seems the fast moving current will cool the beam making it less effective. And the distance makes a big difference as well. It may not remove the zoas but it pisses it off enough not to spread as rapid.

 

[saltyanimals]

Bought this one.

5000mW Star Laser Pointer 5W Green Strong Pen For Stargazing

Taking into account the star green high power laser pointers 5000mw beam 532mn hide is the most easily recognized, 5w green stargazing laser is an ideal tool for astronomers and laser enthusiasts and sculptors.

www.htpow.com

Agree the distance is key, but also adjusting the focus based on your distance. Hard to explain but you can adjust the focus where the beam impact point is as small and focused as possible which gives you the most heat. You’ll hear popping sounds.

 

[mikster]

Bought this one.

5000mW Star Laser Pointer 5W Green Strong Pen For Stargazing

Taking into account the star green high power laser pointers 5000mw beam 532mn hide is the most easily recognized, 5w green stargazing laser is an ideal tool for astronomers and laser enthusiasts and sculptors.

www.htpow.com

Agree the distance is key, but also adjusting the focus based on your distance. Hard to explain but you can adjust the focus where the beam impact point is as small and focused as possible which gives you the most heat. You’ll hear popping sounds.

So I can use this later under water in my tank? It says waterproof

 

[saltyanimals]

I wouldn’t submerge the laser regardless of whatever the seller says. There’s just no need to unless you’re unable to hit it from outside the tank. I’ve burned stuff 8-9in inside the glass without issues. There’s some YouTube stuff out there that’ll give you an idea of what to except. Don’t expect a blow torch result but more about burning individual polpys to stop or kill the polps.

 

[bpb]

Kalk paste for the win. I use it to control all corals that begin over growing. Laser was annoying. Too much time just sitting there focused on one thing. Maybe the flow thing was my problem. Because occasionally the laser would reflect onto my arm and it would feel like a fire ant bite.


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[Carrie17]

Kalk paste for the win. I use it to control all corals that begin over growing. Laser was annoying. Too much time just sitting there focused on one thing. Maybe the flow thing was my problem. Because occasionally the laser would reflect onto my arm and it would feel like a fire ant bite.


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How do You make kalk paste? And how do YOU apply it?

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[bpb]

How do You make kalk paste? And how do YOU apply it?

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I will put 2 tablespoons in about 2 oz of water (little more than a shot glass), and stir it. It’s like warmed maple syrup when ready. Keep stirring though because it’s a suspension not a solution.

I work in a hospital so I have access to helpful tools. I use a 4” 5f vessel dilator attached to a leurlock syringe of usually 3-5 ml (bigger syringes tend to clog as it settles. I slowly gently apply it with all flow off. It sticks to the aiptasia/zoa/montipora/mushroom/whatever my target is. Burns it to where it melts and disappears entirely. Leave flow off for 20 minutes. Yes you’ll disturb it a little as you move about. Yes fish fins will fan it into the water. Yes when you turn flow back on it’ll be a little cloudy. I limit myself to about 10
Ml of this solution per week because I don’t want my alk to skyrocket. If you don’t have access to those things. A simply 10 ml syringe with any larger bore needle will work. The aiptasia x needle is pretty convenient. Just make sure you rinse and dry it after using.


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[Carrie17]

I will put 2 tablespoons in about 2 oz of water (little more than a shot glass), and stir it. It’s like warmed maple syrup when ready. Keep stirring though because it’s a suspension not a solution.

I work in a hospital so I have access to helpful tools. I use a 4” 5f vessel dilator attached to a leurlock syringe of usually 3-5 ml (bigger syringes tend to clog as it settles. I slowly gently apply it with all flow off. It sticks to the aiptasia/zoa/montipora/mushroom/whatever my target is. Burns it to where it melts and disappears entirely. Leave flow off for 20 minutes. Yes you’ll disturb it a little as you move about. Yes fish fins will fan it into the water. Yes when you turn flow back on it’ll be a little cloudy. I limit myself to about 10
Ml of this solution per week because I don’t want my alk to skyrocket. If you don’t have access to those things. A simply 10 ml syringe with any larger bore needle will work. The aiptasia x needle is pretty convenient. Just make sure you rinse and dry it after using.


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Can I use gardening lime to make paste with?

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