My zoas have been suffering from an infestation of what look like small white fuzz or hairs growing out of the zoa/paly tissue which sway in the water flow. I first noticed this on a few of my zoas and palys about a month ago and since then it has spread to most of my zoas/palys. It causes the zoas/palys to stay partially closed and less often fully closed. So far it has not killed any of my zoas but is very obviously irritating them. I have not tried any treatments yet. My zoas/palys are all glued to two rocks one 9"x9" and one 6"x6" so whatever dip I choose to do will take quite a bit of dip and a large container and be quite disruptive to my tank.
In doing some research on this, it seems that this is a less discussed zoa pest compared to zoa pox or zoa eating nudis/spiders yet is a relatively common problem among zoa keepers without a well documented solution. People often misidentify this as zoa pox but the consensus is that it's actually some type of hydroid. Recommended treatments and reports of success are varied but include:
1. Hydrogen peroxide dip (I've seen recommendations from 3% to 50% H2O2)
2. Fenbendazole dip (API Furan2 is no longer available but fenbendazole can be sourced although expensive)
3. Iodine dip
4. Freshwater dip
4. Brush off hydroids with a soft toothbrush
5. Scrape off hydroids with a razor blade
6. Wipe off hydroids with a Magic Eraser
7. Add more flow
8. Reduce feeding
9. Do water changes
There are accounts of each of these or combinations of these treatments working for some people and others who say the same treatment did nothing. Some people say these hydroids are nothing to worry about and go away on their own others say they are the worst pest imaginable.
Others report that the following will eat these hydroids:
Peppermint shrimp
Coral banded shrimp
Mollies
Blue Velvet Nudibranch
Has anyone had first hand experience with these? If so what was your experience and what was the outcome?
Examples of these hydroids:
In doing some research on this, it seems that this is a less discussed zoa pest compared to zoa pox or zoa eating nudis/spiders yet is a relatively common problem among zoa keepers without a well documented solution. People often misidentify this as zoa pox but the consensus is that it's actually some type of hydroid. Recommended treatments and reports of success are varied but include:
1. Hydrogen peroxide dip (I've seen recommendations from 3% to 50% H2O2)
2. Fenbendazole dip (API Furan2 is no longer available but fenbendazole can be sourced although expensive)
3. Iodine dip
4. Freshwater dip
4. Brush off hydroids with a soft toothbrush
5. Scrape off hydroids with a razor blade
6. Wipe off hydroids with a Magic Eraser
7. Add more flow
8. Reduce feeding
9. Do water changes
There are accounts of each of these or combinations of these treatments working for some people and others who say the same treatment did nothing. Some people say these hydroids are nothing to worry about and go away on their own others say they are the worst pest imaginable.
Others report that the following will eat these hydroids:
Peppermint shrimp
Coral banded shrimp
Mollies
Blue Velvet Nudibranch
Has anyone had first hand experience with these? If so what was your experience and what was the outcome?
Examples of these hydroids:
