Do Zoo's always stay closed when light is off?

[Caige]

I just got my first Zoo (green neon)... very small. It's been in the tank about a week now. Is it normal for her to stay closed unless the metal halide is on?

Zoo is about half way up the tank. Light is on approx 5-7hrs a day

Tank - 34gall solana aquariuum
Metal halide 150w

 

[newfound77951]

Many corals (including zoos) close up at "night" when the lights are off. Conversely some open up or extend feeding tentacles at night. So it's probably OK. However, 5-7 hours is a pretty short photoperiod, particularly if you don't have any other lighting (i.e. additional PC or T5 bulbs). I'd suggest a timer for the light so that the photoperiod is consistent, and also a slightly longer one, although I don't have experience with MHs, so I'll let someone else who does chime in as to how long the light should be on.

 

[melosu58]

Mine close up when the lights go off. I dont have MH`s. I have VHO`s. Sounds like normal to my experience.

 

[Caige]

Thanks for the replies!... I am actually buying a timer this weekend. I would like to get some opniions now on how long I should leave my MH on for? From what I was reading I thought 5-7hrs was ok... Hmmmm everyone please chime in

 

[cmor1701d]

The equator has a 12 hour photo period. I have my actinic on for 12 hours and my MH on for 10 (1 hour less each side for dawn/dusk effect).

 

[melosu58]

I cant help much because I have 4 VHO bulbs. I run the actinic 12 hours (9A-9P) and the 50/50 (9:30A-8:30P) on 11 hrs.I know it does not as far as the MH`s.

 

[ccCapt]

I guess I'm the odd ball here, but my zoa's stay opened after the lights are out.
My lights are on a 12 hr schedule.
11AM - 2 x 165w VHO actinics ON
Noon - 2 x 40w daylight fluorescent ON
1 PM - 3 x 175w MH ON
9 PM - MH OFF
10 PM - daylights OFF
11 PM - actinics OFF

 

[Ziggy953]

I'm with you cccapt. Not all of mine stay open but many of them do. My AOG (armor of God) stay open pretty much all the time. A few others I have stay open with lights out.

I guess it depends on the coral.

 

[lance]

8 to 12 hours. The amount of light can effect your tanks temp and algea growth though.

 

[Ziggy953]

8 to 12 hours. The amount of light can effect your tanks temp and algea growth though.

What does that have to do with Zoas staying open after the lights are out?

 

[lance]

Nothing , but he asked in another reply how long he should leave lights on. Sorry i didnt quote it , just read back. O K.. Unless that was a legit question then , nothing , .

What does that have to do with Zoas staying open after the lights are out?