Lighting For Zoanthids
As you continue in this hobby your will learn that different Zoanthids and palythoas have different light requirements. While most Zoanthids will survive with nearly any lighting in the aquarium, you will find that if the lighting is too intense, or not intense enough, some of your Zoanthids will begin to lose the bright coloring that no doubt attracted you to them in the first place.
Zoanthid enthusiasts have had success with many different types of lighting, including metal halide, T5s, power compact fluorescent, VHOs and LEDs.
When growing Zoanthids I prefer to utilize metal halide lighting which is supplemented by T5s. Regardless of the style of lighting you decide to use it is possible for you to have a thriving Zoanthid collection.
If the plan for your reef tank calls only for Zoanthids and palythoas you can get very nice results from power compacts or T5s. These units typically have a relatively low initial investment and are less expensive to run than metal halide lights. If you plan on including a wide variety of corals with more intense lighting requirements it may be necessary for you to step up to metal halide lighting.
A common question that we are asked is "where should I place my new Zoanthids?" This can be a difficult question to answer as each Zoanthid has different lighting preferences and every tanks lighting is different. When we receive new Zoanthids we place them in the very bottom of the tank, right on the substrate. After they have had a few days to get used to our tank we move them a little higher, closer to the lights. Every few days we move them a little bit higher. If the additional light causes them to close up or begin to turn brown we move them back down a step as quickly as possible. Out goal is to give them the most light possible, without causing any adverse effects.
The next question that is common asked is "how long should I leave the lights on for my Zoanthids?" My answer for this has changed several times throughout the years. Now I say that the "right" photoperiod for your Zoanthids depends on the Zoanthids you have and the intensity of your lighting. If you are using strong metal halides you can probably keep the lights on for as little as seven or eight hours without having any ill effects. If you are using power compact fluorescents you may find best results by keeping your lights on for up to 14 hours a day. Currently, I am using metal halides for nine hours a day, with T5s coming on an hour earlier than the metal halides, and going off an hour later. I also use moonlights, so the Zoanthids have some illumination 24 hours a day. This keeps my Zoanthids open throughout the night.
Zoanthids receive most of their nourishment from the light they receive. Because of this it is imperative that you change your bulbs regularly. Most people suggest that you change your bulbs every eight to twelve months.
