Bam Bam Zoanthids

The Bam Bam Zoanthid is a vibrant soft coral, famous for its intense, fiery-orange centers, often surrounded by a deep purple or orange skirt. Under actinic blue lighting, Bam Bams display a spectacular fluorescent glow, adding a bold splash of color to any reef aquarium. Like most Zoanthids, they are hardy, fast-growing, and beginner-friendly, making them an excellent choice for aquarists seeking dazzling, easy-to-care-for corals.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (10+ gallons) and larger reef tanks.
• Temperament: Peaceful, but can spread rapidly and potentially overgrow neighboring corals.
• Lighting: Moderate (PAR 80-200); actinic blue lighting enhances their bright colors.
• Flow: Moderate to high – helps prevent detritus buildup and promotes full polyp extension.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on rockwork, frag racks, or isolated islands to control their rapid spread.
  • Allow sufficient space for growth, or isolate to manage expansion.
• Feeding:
  • Primarily relies on photosynthesis via zooxanthellae.
  • Benefits from broadcast feeding with:
    • Reef amino acids
    • Phytoplankton
    • Powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids)
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.03-0.07 ppm)

Compatibility:

• Very peaceful, suitable near most corals.
• Ideal with other soft corals or non-aggressive LPS.
• Avoid proximity to aggressive corals like Galaxea, Torch, or Hydnophora.

Special Considerations:

• Growth Management: Bam Bam Zoas grow quickly; placing them on isolated rocks helps control their spread.
• Coloration Enhancement: Best coloration under blue-dominant LED lighting, intensifying their fluorescent glow.
• Palytoxin Warning: May contain palytoxins; always wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging.

Summary:

The Bam Bam Zoanthid is a hardy, fast-growing, and vividly colorful coral, perfect for adding bright, fiery orange tones to reef tanks. With stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, Bam Bam Zoas will flourish and create eye-catching colonies, ideal for both beginners and seasoned reef keepers.