The ACI Orange Sherbert Zoanthid is another beautiful, hardy zoanthid coral with vibrant colors. Their fun, sherbet-inspired color makes a bold and playful statement in any reef tank.
When handling this coral make sure to check for open cuts that may be exposed to this coral or wear gloves and eyewear to avoid palytoxins (a neurotoxin that can cause irritant to the skin and in rare situations have deadly consequences).
Here's how to care for them:
Lighting:
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Moderate to high lighting is ideal. They can tolerate lower light but will show more vibrant colors under higher light intensities.
- Gradual acclimation to strong lighting is recommended to avoid bleaching.
Water Flow:
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Moderate water flow is best. It helps keep them free from debris and detritus but should not be too strong to avoid damaging their polyps.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
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Salinity: 1.023–1.025
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Nitrates: <10 ppm
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Phosphates: <0.03 ppm
Placement:
- These zoanthids thrive in middle to lower tank areas with moderate flow and lighting.
- They can spread across rocks quickly, so keep them on an isolated rock or frag plug if you want to control their growth.
Feeding:
- Like most zoanthids, they primarily depend on photosynthesis but can benefit from target feeding with foods like zooplankton or other coral foods to enhance growth and coloration.
Maintenance:
- Regular water changes and stable parameters help keep the ACI Orange Sherbert Zoanthid in good health.
- Keep an eye out for pests like nudibranchs, zoa-eating snails, and algae overgrowth, as these can cause problems for your zoanthids.
With stable conditions and care, ACI Orange Sherbert Zoanthids will grow well and add a pop of color to your reef tank!
