Safety Tips for Handling Zoas

[Skrymir]

Heya,

My first Zoa rocks is on it way to me as I type this (my GF insisted on ordering them.) I know they can be very toxic (omg, maybe she is trying to poison me!), but that is about all I know. What are proper ways of handling them when putting them in the tank/moving the rock they are on? Is there a chance that some may get smooshed on during shipping making the water they are in toxic? Is there any good way to prevent them from spreading over all the rock work in the tank? Any placement/light/flow tips are also welcome.

Thanks for your time.

-Skry

 

[reefmarker]

(omg, maybe she is trying to poison me!)

Nah, if she wanted to kill you she'd marry you.

Just wear some disposable gloves like the doctors uses. You don't want the shipping water in your tank anyway, so make sure you get rid of it down the toilet, not the kitchen sink.

As far as spreading goes, isolation is the best bet. Put them on a rock somewhere where their spread is controlled by sand or by glass. They are easy to remove from both, so be dilligent about removing them from unwanted spots.

 

[jesshimom]

Watch out if she chases you with them... as my darling daughter did to her brother once...

 

[JoshF]

dangerous daughters

OMG, I can completely see my daughter doing that in a few years!

I've been on a reeftank hiatus since my she was born, and during that time I've become addicted to zoo's. In a year or so, my "lovely assistant" AKA "my daughter" might become known as the zoo avenger! :badgrin:

Josh

 

[Curtswearing]

Also, when fragging them, wear glasses or goggles. Don't touch any mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) while fragging. Don't eat either until you've washed your hands.

The amount of palytoxin in zoanthids is very low compared to palythoa and protopalythoa. However, it's wise to take all precautions anyway.

 

[Salty D-O-G]

Nah, if she wanted to kill you she'd marry you.

Now thats funny!!!!


Jerry