Why Zoanthus Are Perfect for Beginners
Zoanthus corals are among the most popular reef corals for beginners, and for good reason. These colorful soft corals are not only beautiful to look at but also relatively easy to care for. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to successfully keep Zoanthus in your reef aquarium.
What Are Zoanthus Corals?
Zoanthus (also called Zoa or Zoanthids) are colony-forming soft corals known for their vibrant colors and patterns. They grow in groups of small polyps connected by a tissue mat. From bright green to psychedelic rainbow colors—there's something for everyone.
Ideal Water Values for Zoanthus
To keep your Zoanthus healthy, stable water parameters are essential:
- Temperature: 24-25.5°C
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 (35 ppt)
- pH: 8.0-8.3
- Alkalinity: 8-10 dKH
- Calcium: 380-420 ppm
- Magnesium: 1200-1350 ppm
- Nitrate: 0-10 ppm
- Phosphate: 0.03-0.07 ppm
The good news? Zoanthus are quite tolerant and can handle small fluctuations well, making them ideal for beginners who are still stabilizing their aquarium.
Lighting for Zoanthus
Most Zoanthus thrive under medium to high light (100-200 PAR). Always start with lower light and gradually increase it over a few weeks. Too much light can lead to bleaching, while too little light can cause browning and slow growth.
Tip: Place new Zoanthus in the middle or bottom section of your aquarium at first and gradually move them upwards as they acclimatise well.
Flow and Placement
Zoanthus prefer medium to low water flow. Too much flow can prevent the polyps from fully opening. Place them in a spot where they'll receive indirect water movement—not directly in the current from your pump.
Nutrition of Zoanthus
Although Zoanthus obtain most of their energy from light (via zooxanthellae algae in their tissue), they can also benefit from supplementary feeding:
- Phytoplankton: 1-2 times per week
- Zooplankton: once a week
- Amino acids: Optional, for color enhancement
However, many Zoanthus do well without direct feeding, as long as your aquarium is well fed and has stable nutrients.
Acclimatization - The First 24 Hours
Proper acclimatization is crucial for the success of your new Zoanthus:
- Drip acclimatization: Let aquarium water drip into the transport bag for 30-60 minutes
- Low Light: Place new corals in a shaded area at first
- Low flow: Avoid direct water flow for the first few days
- Patience: It may take 24-48 hours for Zoanthus to fully open
See our detailed acclimatization guide for more information.
Common Problems and Solutions
Zoanthus Do Not Open
Possible causes: too much light, too much current, poor water parameters, or stress from transport. Give them time and check your parameters.
Brown Colors
This usually indicates insufficient light. Gradually increase the lighting or move them higher in the aquarium.
Bleaching
Too much light or too high temperatures. Move to a shadier area and check your cooling.
Best Zoanthus for Beginners
Some Zoanthus species are easier than others. For beginners, we recommend
start with:
- Green Zoanthus: Very hardy and fast growing
- Rainbow Hornets: Beautiful colours and good resistance to changing conditions
-
Common Zoanthus Varieties: Affordable and Reliable
Consider our Beginner's Zoanthus Pack - specially compiled with easy-to-grow varieties for beginners.
Growth and Propagation
Under good conditions, Zoanthus grow surprisingly quickly. You'll see new polyps appear around the colony. This is a good sign that your coral is healthy!
Fragmentation: If your colony is large enough, you can carefully cut off fragments and place them in new locations. Always wear gloves—some Zoanthus contain palytoxin.
Safety: Palytoxin Warning
⚠️ Important: Some Zoanthus (especially Palythoa species) may contain palytoxin, a toxic substance. Always wear gloves when handling Zoanthus and wash your hands thoroughly. Never apply the fragment over open wounds and avoid splashing into your eyes.
Conclusion
Zoanthus corals are a fantastic choice for beginners in the reef aquarium hobby. With their beautiful colors, relatively easy care, and fast growth, they offer a lot of satisfaction without the complexity of some other coral species.
Start with stable water parameters, medium lighting, and low flow, and your Zoanthus will thrive. Be patient during acclimation and enjoy the explosion of color these beautiful corals bring to your aquarium!
Ready to get started? Check out our Common Zoanthus collection or Exclusive Zoanthus collection for the most beautiful specimens.