My zoas have algae growing on their plug! What can I do to fix that?

[SoFloReefer55]

Hello! I'm fairly new to the hobby and after 3 months with these zoas this is the first time i see this. My zoas have algae growing on their stump (see picture below). What can i do to get rid of this algae and make sure my zoas are fine?

 

[SaltySqueeble]

Break that zoa rock right of the plug, or if you need the plug, you can try using a hydrogen peroxide solution. Zoas are usually okay with it, but start by just dipping the plug or using a toothbrush so you don’t soak the zoas. Are those circus circus/circus freak zoas?

 

[SoFloReefer55]

Break that zoa rock right of the plug, or if you need the plug, you can try using a hydrogen peroxide solution. Zoas are usually okay with it, but start by just dipping the plug or using a toothbrush so you don’t soak the zoas. Are those circus circus/circus freak zoas?

I kinda need to have it on the plug. I plan on moving the zoas to my new tank in a few weeks, so I'd like to get the algae off of them before placing them into the new tank.

 

[SaltySqueeble]

I kinda need to have it on the plug. I plan on moving the zoas to my new tank in a few weeks, so I'd like to get the algae off of them before placing them into the new tank.

Gotcha. So option number 2. Dip and scrub the plug with H2o2 3% and salt water solution. Here is a chart for coral tolerance to the h2o2 as a full coral dip. It will kill everything on there. But be careful, go for less than recommended to start.

 

[bossman818]

I got a snail. Cleaned my plugs clean in a few days.

 

[Solo McReefer]

Get more snails

Or brush it off every day with small fine paint brush

[I am not recommending H²O², because you're a beginner, even so called experts kill zoas with that]

 

[fjordaquatics]

I use a baster to to blow detritus off of the rocks and moves algae that isn’t super adhered yet. Also a fan of some hydrogen peroxide dosing if needed. The biggest help though was increasing flow and scaling back lighting and feeding.

 

[ReefStable]

Every time I've dipped zoas in hydrogen peroxide, it negatively affected the zoa.

I would take the coral out of the tank. And in a small container of tank water, scrub the algae off with a gentle, soft toothbrush from the dollar store. Do not scrub the coral, just the plug.

Ideally wear gloves as a just in case, and make sure to scrub under water. Use the separate container to keep the algae out of your tank.

I'll admit that I don't always take all of the right precautions, but remember that it only takes once with Palytoxin. So treat it with extra care!

 

[TokenReefer]

As others suggested. Snails seem to be attracted to the new algae that pops up on my frags; they've been keeping them clean for me.

 

[kevgib67]

I’ve used hydrogen peroxide dips multiple times for algae on zoa plugs. In a few days plug is clean and zoas are happy campers.