Sunny D Zoanthids

Sunny D Zoanthid (Zoanthus sp.) – Description & Care Guide

Description:

The Sunny D Zoanthid is a bright, iconic, and highly desirable soft coral, famous for its vibrant orange centers, neon green skirts, and striking yellow-to-green mouth. Under actinic lighting, these zoas glow brilliantly, resembling a miniature sunrise. They are hardy, fast-growing, and beginner-friendly, making them an excellent choice for reef aquarists seeking intense, eye-catching colors and easy care.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (10+ gallons) and larger reef tanks.
• Temperament: Peaceful, but spreads quickly and can overgrow nearby corals.
• Lighting: Moderate (PAR 80-200); actinic blue lighting enhances fluorescence.
• Flow: Moderate to high – prevents detritus buildup and encourages full polyp extension.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on rockwork, frag racks, or isolated islands to control rapid growth.
  • Allow space to spread, or isolate to prevent overgrowth.
• Feeding:
  • Primarily relies on photosynthesis via zooxanthellae.
  • Benefits from broadcast feeding of:
    • 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.
• Keep with other soft corals or non-aggressive LPS.
• Avoid aggressive corals like Galaxea, Torch, or Hydnophora.

Special Considerations:

• Growth Management: Sunny D Zoas grow rapidly; placing them on isolated rocks helps control growth.
• Coloration Enhancement: Best colors develop under blue-dominant LED lighting.
• Palytoxin Warning: May contain palytoxins; wear gloves and eye protection when handling or fragging.

Summary:

The Sunny D Zoanthid is a hardy, fast-growing, and visually stunning coral, perfect for adding vibrant color and easy care to reef tanks. With stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, it will thrive and create a glowing, beautiful colony in any reef aquarium.