Acclimatization Guide for Zoanthus

Zoanthus are generally strong and resilient corals, but proper acclimatization is crucial to prevent stress and damage. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Preparing the aquarium

Check that the water values ​​are within safe limits:

Temperature 24–25.5 °C
Salinity 1.024–1.026 (≈35 ppt)
pH 8.0–8.3
Alkalinity (KH) 8–10 dKH
Calcium 380–420 ppm
Magnesium 1200–1350 ppm
Nitrate 0–10 ppm
Phosphate 0.03–0.07 ppm

• Provide low to moderate current and dim lighting where you will be placing the coral.
• If necessary, set the lighting to half power or indirect light during the first 24–48 hours.

2. Inspection of the coral

Check the coral in the shipping bag for signs of slime, loose polyps, or discoloration.

3. Temperature acclimatization

• Let the shipping bag float in your aquarium for 45-60 minutes to allow the water temperature to equalize.
• Make sure that the water in the bag slowly reaches the temperature of the aquarium.

4. Floating method (drip acclimatization)

• Open the bag and carefully pour the contents into a bucket of aquarium water.
• Using a dropper or hose, slowly add 1 liter of aquarium water to the bucket every 30 minutes.
• Repeat this until the volume in the bucket has approximately doubled.
• This method reduces stress from sudden changes in water parameters.

5. Placement in the aquarium

• Carefully place the Zoanthus in the desired location, preferably on a rock or frag plug.
• Avoid direct contact with aggressive corals such as some LPS and SPS species.
• Place the coral in indirect light at first and gradually move to brighter light over 1-2 days.

6. Aftercare

• Check the polyps regularly: they should open slowly and respond well to flow.
• Keep water parameters stable and avoid sudden changes in lighting or flow.
• If desired, you can offer a light diet of plankton or coral food, but the Zoanthus can usually survive well on light and dissolved nutrients.

💡 Tip: Zoanthus are sensitive to chemicals and metals. Always use a clean glove or tongs when handling them to avoid contact with skin oils and other substances.