Zoanthids reef compatibility check
Zoanthus spp.
Zoanthids (Zoanthus spp.) are beginner-level soft corals that need at least 10 gallons. They are listed as reef safe; handle carefully; some palythoa/zoa relatives can contain palytoxin. Plan moderate light and moderate flow (placement: isolated rock or lower to middle reef).
Colorful beginner soft coral, best isolated where spreading is welcome.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 10+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 10 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 1+ month old.
- ✕ Handle carefully; some palythoa/zoa relatives can contain palytoxin.
Compatibility warnings
- Handle carefully; some palythoa/zoa relatives can contain palytoxin.
- Can spread onto nearby rockwork.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 10 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 1 month of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Placement should be validated against measured PAR, turbulent flow, allelopathy/stinging distance, and future colony growth.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 10 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Territorial
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- Varies
- Placement
- isolated rock or lower to middle reef
- Diet
- Mostly photosynthetic; can catch fine foods.
- Flow
- Moderate
- Light
- Moderate
- Bioload
- 0.2
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Green star polyps
Same 10-gallon floor.
- Kenya tree coral
Same 10-gallon floor, low light.
- Mushroom coral
Same 10-gallon floor, low light.
- Pulsing xenia
Same 10-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue LED
Lists about 120 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED Black
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED White
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank do zoanthids need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 10 gallons, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives.
Are zoanthids reef safe?
They are listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Handle carefully; some palythoa/zoa relatives can contain palytoxin; Can spread onto nearby rockwork.
Are zoanthids good for beginners?
Yes. They are rated beginner care, though they should wait until the tank is about 1+ month old.
How much light and flow do zoanthids need?
ReefCrafter lists a moderate light need and moderate flow (placement: isolated rock or lower to middle reef). In planner terms that starts around 100 PAR.