Zoanthids, palytoxin, human contact  4/9/08
Mr. Fenner,
I have a disease called scleroderma that effects my autoimmune process and need to be cautious. I have read about the neurotoxin called palytoxin that occurs with Zoanthid polyps. I read about the need for caution and it's effects but on the other hand I get the impression its occurrence in the aquarium hobby seems rare. With this in mind I have what I believe is a Zoanthid Palythoa that looks like the common type with green polyps. I'm new to the hobby and need to know if I have a serious concern. I intend to use gloves if the need comes to physical touch it, but do I need to be concerned about making contact with the aquarium water with my hands.
Your input will be appreciated.
Steve C.
<Mmm, always best to be cautious when dealing with Zoanthids... particularly in handling directly, as in asexual propagation/cutting. I do advise that you, actually most everyone wear good gloves whenever they place their hands in their tanks... to prevent possible troubles for themselves during exposure, as well as to disallow contamination. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Comm. Zoanthid search  1/5/08
Hi
This is "Hassan" from Tropical Reefs, am looking for a supplier of colourful Zoanthids, hope you can advise, thanks & a happy new year,
Best Regards
Hassan
Tropical Reefs
London UK,
<Likely the UK's TMC, Underworld... are your best bets... That and encouraging aquarists to become your aquaculture "satellites"... In the U.S., I'd look to the "usual suspects" in and about LAX's 104th street... Walt Smith/Pacific Aqua Farms, Sea Dwelling Creatures, Quality Marine, Underwater World... all have websites... Bob Fenner>

Looking for whlse supply of Zo's and Ricordea ... to ship to S. Africa  1/20/06
Good day all
<Micae>
I need assistance with the following if possible. After many years of keeping and breeding marine fish and propagating corals
I have now decided to take the big step and start an online business.
<Not for the easily challenged>
I do not intend to sell everything I lay my hands on. I am looking for rare and exotic species and other livestock not readily
available in South Africa. My question is if you could perhaps assist us with the name of a reliable supplier of Florida Ricordeas and Zoanthids.
<Mmm, you might try ORA/C-Quest... and later (they're re-building) ProAquatix>
We do have regular flights to South Africa so this should not be a problem. FedEx also delivers. We have been in contact with Kiki Haman from
Ricordeas.net but feel that $12 per polyp excluding shipping for 100 polyps is a retail price and not wholesale. We know that shipping to South Africa
from the US is expensive, this is why 90% of dealers import from Indonesia, but at this stage shipping cost is a small price to pay in order for us to
bring these wonderful that are not available here to our clients. creatures into the country.
Your assistance would be appreciated
Micae
<Mmm, when you have a URL to post, please re-send this note... and I will refer it and post it on WWM. Bob Fenner>

Zoanthids
Hi Bob,
I have a 55 gallon tank that I want to make into a pseudo-reef (pseudo because I have only 1 96-watt PC for lighting). 
<There are reefs in the world with far less illumination>
I have about 70 lbs. of live rock, a Purple tang, diamond goby, pacific cleaner shrimp, a large
Featherduster and a colony of orange Zoanthids. All inhabitants are doing well. I plan on getting some mushrooms in the near future. My question is,
what other types of sessile inverts can I add with this amount of light? 
<Many, many... there are hundreds of ahermatypic true/Scleractinia corals alone... and gorgonians/sea fans... Much more than would fit a hundred 55's.>
I get conflicting reports from LFS people; some recommend star polyps, other sources say they need lots of light.
LFS says Zoanthids need lots of light, but mine are doing fine. 
<Both groups have members that will do fine in your system>
I'm afraid to buy more before I get more info, but it's hard to find specifics on the beauties I see in the store. What do you recommend?
<Investing your time, money in some of the fine standard written works available: Eric Borneman, Sven Fossa, Alf Nilsen, Julian Sprung, Charles Delbeek, Ron Shimek... should all be known to you. Bob Fenner>
Thanks a lot,
Suzanne.