Algae on Zoa plug

[darnoc23]

Hello,

I have green hair algae growing on my Zoa plugs. It seems like it's stressing the baby polyps and preventing growth. I know I need to reduce my nutrients, but is there a quicker way to clean them out of the plugs? I tried the toothbrush method which only cleans the layer surrounding the polyps. The algaes are between the polyps. Someone had recommended to dip it in water with hydrogen peroxide. Is that correct? Any other method? I'm reducing my fish feeding and reefroids but feel the baby polyps would stress and eventually die. Thanks.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

I've done 2% peroxide with 50/50 peroxide and tank water. Let it sit for a couple minutes. Soft fine toothbrush to get what's on the frag. Had similar issues with my zoa frags. They recovered in a couple of days.

 

[darnoc23]

I've done 2% peroxide with 50/50 peroxide and tank water. Let it sit for a couple minutes. Soft fine toothbrush to get what's on the frag. Had similar issues with my zoa frags. They recovered in a couple of days.

Thanks. Does this method apply to all zoas? I'm hesitant due to it being strats, gmk, and lsoh. One thing I noticed, the black frag rack has more algae than my clear ones. Is there any relation to the type of frack rack?

 

[Cell]

I would do less than 50/50 of 3% H2O2. A couple capfuls per cup of tank water is sufficient. I typically just add H2O2 until I see bubbles.

 

[TokenReefer]

I have some on my plug; I'm just gonna take it out later and brush it real quick

 

[darnoc23]

I tested with my Exosphere frag with a 4:1 water to H202. Left it in for about a minute, where I did see bubbles getting the algae. The frag appears to be not doing well for the past 3 days. Below is the pic of the before and after. Is it damaged or this is the norm? I tried it also with my purple monsters and white zombies and they opened up the next day.

 

[TokenReefer]

I tested with my Exosphere frag with a 4:1 water to H202. Left it in for about a minute, where I did see bubbles getting the algae. The frag appears to be not doing well for the past 3 days. Below is the pic of the before and after. Is it damaged or this is the norm? I tried it also with my purple monsters and white zombies and they opened up the next day.

Yeah I've done it with zoa frags; all of mine actually. I think I did no more than a minute; no issues. Luckily a snail came by before I got to my new frag and cleaned it for me lol

 

[Cell]

Probably damaged a bit, but may recover just fine with time. Like I said, a couple caps in a cup of water is sufficient.

I would spot treat high end zoas prone to melting in lieu of a full dip.

 

[LARedstickreefer]

I use a syringe with needle to gently squirt 3% h202 directly on the algae and around the zoas. I do this outside of the tank and let them sit for 30 seconds. I then repeat in a few days if I don’t see the algae withering away. Zoas always open back up soon after going back into tank. Same thing for all of my other frags.

-Matt

 

[TokenReefer]

Not sure what you could do at this point; it will come around I'd imagine.

 

[ralquist]

I've had the best luck if you can try and get the polyps to close before the h202 dip. In my little experience they recover faster this way but def not unusual for them to be mad and closed for a few days to a week after.

 

[darnoc23]

Yeah I've done it with zoa frags; all of mine actually. I think I did no more than a minute; no issues. Luckily a snail came by before I got to my new frag and cleaned it for me lol

lol...i keep putting my snails in the frag rack in hopes i wake up and all algae is gone from the frags. For whatever reason they don't touch them. Maybe I'll just put a frag and snail in a cup and force it. lol

 

[darnoc23]

Probably damaged a bit, but may recover just fine with time. Like I said, a couple caps in a cup of water is sufficient.

I would spot treat high end zoas prone to melting in lieu of a full dip.

Thanks. So different Zoa's will have different reactions then. Will hold off on the others and see how the Exos do. Thanks.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

I tested with my Exosphere frag with a 4:1 water to H202. Left it in for about a minute, where I did see bubbles getting the algae. The frag appears to be not doing well for the past 3 days. Below is the pic of the before and after. Is it damaged or this is the norm? I tried it also with my purple monsters and white zombies and they opened up the next day.

Its normal, some handle it differently. Just keep an eye on them.
My hermit crabs love going after my zoa frags for algae.
Unless its too long. They will eat it.

 

[darnoc23]

Thank you all for the feedback! The Exos survived and dipped the others. Just one dip each, but those dang algaes are still there but less. Will wait another week to dip again.

 

[scubatan]

1:3 (h202 3%:tank water) for 2-5 mins