WWC Emerald Dream Zoanthid - Mini Colony

Zoanthids are some of the most collectible coral polyps in the reef aquarium hobby. These small flower-like coral polyps come in hundreds of color morphs and can coexist peacefully in the same aquarium. Zoanthids thrive in tiny pico reefs and nano reef tanks where aquarists make beautiful zoa gardens by adding different clusters of Zoanthid polyps to the tank just like adding a new flower pot to a garden. The options are truly endless for creating your own zoa garden as your can mix and match all our Zoanthids and they will live together and will not compete or sting each other. Zoanthids also do well in larger saltwater aquariums but we recommend getting faster-growing varieties with larger polyp sizes for larger-sized aquariums. 

One thing that makes Zoanthids appealing is they come in wildly different color patterns, from solid colors to speckles or colorful rings and multi-colored fluorescent mouths. The size of the tentacles around the head is also quite diverse, with some with short stubby tentacles and others having more long and flowy tentacles. Zoanthid corals are super easy to care for and will grow in almost any condition. Zoanthids are one of the fastest-growing corals and can be placed all over the aquarium.

While Zoanthid corals are not aggressive, they can start to invade the space of other corals. Some species of Zoanthids grow faster than others and can overtake slower-growing corals. Zoanthids do best in rich nutrient tanks where they can filter feed daily.

PALYTOXIN WARNING: If you are ever fragging or removing Zoanthids from your aquarium, it’s important to wear gloves and eye protection as these corals may contain a powerful neurotoxin called Palytoxin that can cause serious health reactions.

Care Requirements

Lighting and Water Flow

• Lighting Zoanthids due well under a variety of lighting conditions.  The ideal range is between 75-150 PAR
• Water Flow: Moderate, Indirect water flow

Water Conditions

• Temperature 75-80 degree farenheit
• Calcium 380-450 ppm
• Alkalinity 8-9.5 dKH
• Magnesium. 1250-1350 ppm
• pH 8.2-8.4
• Salinity 1.024-1.026
• Nitrates 5-15 ppm
• Phosphates <0..1 ppm

Feeding

Zoanthid corals are photosynthetic but benefit from supplemental feedings. Recommended foods include:

• Amino Acids
• Powdered foods such as Benepets and Reef Roids
• Phytoplankton and Zooplankton

Regular target feeding a couple of times a week can enhance growth.  It is recommended that you turn off water flow for 10-15 minutes during feeding for best results.

Growth and Placement

Zoanthids can have a prolific growth rate and grow well in a variety of conditions.  Many people will create a “Zoa island” in their tank to avoid these coral from taking over their reef scape.  This is a great way to enjoy the beauty of these corals and helps with the creation of a Zoa garden.