Tag Archives: Reef Tank

Toxic corals can endanger livestock and humans. Zoanthid corals are popular for reef tanks, but they are also notorious for what’s known as palytoxin poisoning.

admin    July 31, 2020   CATEGORY: Reef Aquariums

Toxic Corals in the Aquarium Hobby: Zoanthids and Palytoxin Poisoning

All corals are beautiful. Once you really look past the pretty, colorful surface, however, you’ll see some of them have a dark side. Reef tanks need corals for many reasons, but choose your corals carefully. There are many toxic corals that can endanger not only the other inhabitants in the aquarium, but humans as well.

Among the most lethal beauties are some species of zoanthid corals.

Zoanthid corals are popular for reef tanks, but they are also notorious for what’s known as palytoxin poisoning.

Imagine a skunk. Its appearance is charming in a way, but if it feels threatened, you know what will happen. In fact, the whole neighborhood will know.

The same concept applies to certain species of zoanthid corals. When they feel threatened, they let out a toxin that is potentially lethal to humans. It might not smell so bad, or at all, but it’s poisonous nonetheless.

Some species of zoanthids are toxic corals. A white encrusting zoanthid is shown here.

There have been several cases of palytoxin poisoning from zoanthid corals around the world. In humans, palytoxin can cause a severe respiratory reaction, and it can burs skin and eyes on contact.

In fact, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution publication reported that an entire family became ill after the mother used a toothbrush to scrap off some algae on the coral in her saltwater aquarium.

When she brushed the coral, it released palytoxin, one of the deadliest poisons known to man, into the air. Within an hour, everyone in the household had what was described as flu symptoms, but worse. They were hospitalized, and five of the fish in the tank died.

The poisons exist in the coral as protection from predators in nature. According to researchers, just one gram of the poison can kill 100 mice. In humans, palytoxin can cause a severe respiratory reaction, hemorrhaging, and death if ingested, and it burns skin and eyes on contact.

There have been several cases of palytoxin poisoning from zoanthid corals around the world.

For that reason, you should avoid handling potentially toxic corals with your bare hands. If you must handle them, wear protective gloves and a face mask. Otherwise, let them be, or choose a different kind of coral for your saltwater reef tank.

TAGS: Palytoxin Poisoning, Reef Tank, Toxic Coral, Zoanthid Coral,

phoenix saltwater tank

admin    May 7, 2014   CATEGORY: Industry News and Tips

Seatech Phoenix Saltwater Aquarium: Planning the Basics Will Give You a Great Start!

Saltwater aquariums are a great way to bring color, beauty and an ‘ocean feeling’ to your home or office.  While saltwater aquariums need more love and care, the vivid and appealing types of fish that can be combined will give you years of pleasure.  Looking for advice but not sure who to talk to? Seatech is your trusted Phoenix Saltwater Aquarium experts.

As with any new hobby or interest, you need to start at the beginning. You need to ask yourself some key questions before you do anything else.

How much room do you have?

This will decide the size of the saltwater aquarium.  For starters, saltwater aquariums should be at least 30 gallons or larger.  Leave the smaller saltwater aquarium tanks to the more veteran aquarium lovers.

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Where do you want the saltwater aquarium located?

The saltwater aquarium tank site is a key factor. This will help you figure out the basic needs for a saltwater aquarium.  You need to have ample power outlets, as well as the right types of outlets, for using pumps, timers, filters, lighting, heaters, calcium reactors, etc. Keeping your aquarium out of direct sun light is also a critical factor.

Water, Water everywhere . . . but?

For saltwater aquariums, using the proper type of water is vital. Regular tap water cannot be used for saltwater tanks. Tap water has salts in it that may be good for humans, but can harm and hurt your saltwater dwellers. Purified filtered water (RO or RODI), will give you the best results. This will make sure your saltwater aquarium has a long and happy life!

Tank Hygiene.

Take the time to learn how to keep your saltwater aquarium clean and safe. You need to learn how to test your tank for the right pH levels. Testing also can help you stop calcium residue from building up in your tank. Testing also prevents too much algae from growing. You do not want invest all of your time and money and end up with sick or dead fish!

Moving In!

Now comes the best part about your aquarium. You need to decide on what you are going to put inside of your aquarium? This is the most important part! You need to create a balance between fish, fauna, corals, and a marine eco-system that will provide a healthy saltwater aquarium.

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Ready, Set, Go!

Now that you are ready to begin, let the experts in saltwater aquariums be your guide. As successful Phoenix Saltwater Aquarium experts, Seatech’s 50+ years of combined know-how and training will provide you with all of the essentials needed to create a great saltwater aquarium in your home or office.

No doubt, saltwater aquariums are a lot of work, but the rewards are worth the extra work. And with Seatech as your Phoenix Saltwater Aquariums partners,  you will have all of the expert help and knowledge you need when considering a saltwater aquarium for your home.

Visit their website and ask for a consultation today! Be brave, be bold, but above all, be sure to let the Seatech experts help you take your ideas and transform your home or office into an underworld adventure.  Looking for more great information on saltwater aquariums?  Visit the Fish Channel at http://www.fishchannel.com/saltwater-aquariums/

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TAGS: Aquarium Design, Aquarium Installation, Aquarium Maintenance, Freshwater Aquarium, Reef Aquarium, Reef Tank, Saltwater Aquarium, Saltwater Fish Tank,