Zoa Pox: What Is It & How To Treat It
If you have noticed white or pink bumps appearing on your zoanthids, you may be dealing with a well-known coral disease that is constantly causing waves of concern in the reef-keeping community. While Zoa Pox may sound alarming, try not to panic. With the correct knowledge and some swift action, this coral condition can be effectively fixed!
What is Zoa pox?
Zoa Pox is an interesting yet troublesome condition that specifically targets Zoanthid corals (commonly known as Zoas). Unlike other coral diseases that can spread rapidly through entire aquariums, Zoa Pox is typically more selective in its victims, primarily targeting those colorful button polyps that we all love.
The disease itself manifests as small, raised bumps or nodules on the surface of Zoa polyps. These bumps usually start as white or pale pink spots which gradually increase in size. Think of them as tiny coral pimples, as they are basically fluid-filled cysts that develop on the Zoa’s tissue.
While there is no definitive cause for Zoa Pox, environmental stress factors can make your Zoas more susceptible to coral disease.
How to identify Zoa Pox?
The key to successful treatment lies in early detection, so here are some typical signs that you should be watching out for:
Raised Bumps
The most obvious sign that your Zoa is suffering from Zoa Pox is the appearance of small, raised nodules. These usually start around the size of a pinhead and over time expand into larger bumps.
Changes in Color
Initially, the pox spots are white or pale pink, but they may darken or become more pronounced if the condition worsens. The affected Zoa polyp’s natural coloration may also appear more duller than usual.
Behavioral Changes
An infected Zoa may show reduced polyp extension or in severe cases, they may remain completely closed, which is never a good sign with corals that are usually vibrant coral colonies.
Spreading of the Disease
Even though Zoa Pox doesn’t generally spread as aggressively as other coral diseases, you may notice the condition slowly affecting neighboring polyps within the same colony.
What causes Zoa Pox outbreaks?
Understanding the potential triggers of Zoa Pox can make it much easier to both treat and prevent it. Here are the four main factors that may be contributing to your Zoanthids’ distress:
- Environmental stress: Poor water quality, sudden changes in water parameters, or poor aquarium lighting.
- Water parameters: Unstable or poor levels of alkalinity, magnesium, or calcium can increase stress levels inside the aquarium, making your Zoas more likely to get sick.
- Viral infection: Scientists believe that Zoa Pox is caused by a virus because it causes tissue loss, however, the exact pathogen responsible has not been fully identified yet.
- Introducing new corals: Sometimes corals can carry the virus without immediately showing signs of the virus, so if you add them to your reef aquarium without quarantining them, you may be in for an outbreak!
Zoa Pox Treatment
Now for the part you have been waiting for - how do you tackle this pesky problem… Well, there are several treatments that hobbyists have found success in.
Dip treatments
One of the most effective methods involves coral dips that are iodine-based. These help reduce the viral load and promote coral tissue healing.
NOTE: When using coral dips, remember proper dilution is crucial - always check the instructions and guidelines! Contact us if you are unsure.
Isolation
If it is possible, moving the affected Zoa colony to a quarantine tank can help prevent the virus from spreading. Also, moving your corals into a separate tank allows for more aggressive treatment options as you won’t be affecting your other livestock.
Fragging
If you are a keen coral collector, you are probably a fragging expert (you may even have your own breathtaking coral farm!). Sometimes, the best approach to tackle Zoa Pox head-on is to remove the infected coral polyp entirely.
If you are new to fragging corals, carefully frag away the affected area with a scalpel, making sure to sterilize any equipment between cuts, and throw away the infected tissue.
Medication
Although this should be considered as a last resort, some hobbyists have found success with antibiotic treatments. If you do use antibiotics for Zoa Pox treatment, always use caution to avoid disrupting your tank’s water chemistry.
Preventative methods for Zoa Pox
As we say to our reefing friends, with most coral diseases, prevention is always a better solution than a cure. To help you prevent a Zoa Pox outbreak inside your aquarium, here are some top tips from us!
Before adding new corals to your aquarium, ALWAYS quarantine them for at least two weeks before introducing them to your main display tank. This gives you time to observe the corals for signs of disease and treat them if needed.
This should always be on your radar. One of the most important housekeeping rules in the aquarium trade is to maintain stable, optimal water parameters and to test the water regularly. You may also want to have a water change schedule in place, as these are your first line of defense against coral diseases.
Always check your aquarium equipment, as you may know that sometimes things break over time. Ensure that your lighting, water flow, and filtration are all working properly and are set to appropriate levels/speeds for your Zoanthid corals. If your water flow is too powerful or slow, or the lighting is not efficient/too bright, this increases stress levels for corals.
We all love walking up to our display tanks and admiring our beautiful corals, but make it a habit to really look closely and inspect your corals during maintenance routines. Early detection of Zoa Pox can make treatment much more successful and less stressful - trust me!
Summary
Zoa Pox can be a cause for concern for any aquarium hobbyist, but it's not a death sentence for your beloved Zoas! By keeping a close eye on your corals, maintaining good water chemistry and coral care, and acting fast when symptoms first appear, you can effectively manage the virus and treat your corals.
If you are dealing with Zoa Pox in your reef aquarium and need specific advice, do not hesitate to reach out to our expert team at Reefco Aquariums. We are happy to help ensure that your Zoas return to their vibrant, healthy state as quickly as possible!
