Zoo & Shrimp question...

[maelv]

I just set up a small nano tank and used sand and rocks from the fuge of my 135 galon. So there were tons of life in my tank...small shrimp, serpent stars, fire worms, etc..etc....okay...I placed a zoo frag in there, and now see that there is a serpent star in it and a bunch of shrimp all over it. They are fighting, and crawling over it, the zoo is not opening, NATURALLY...but can anyone tell me the cause of this? Is the zoo dying? are the shrimp eating it?
If I could paint a mental picture, it looks like a bunch of ants crawling over something that died. I haven't taken any photos because the tank is set up here at work and I don't have a camera here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[reefreak29]

i have heard of amphipods eating zoos

 

[reefkprz]

My guess is it is dying and they are eating the necrotic tissue (dead stuff) off the zoas, this actually may allow them to pull through since the dead tissue is no longer attached and rotting on it, allowing flow and light to reach the flesh, but your probably going to lose the zoas. I would say mabe a 10% chance of survival and thats an optimistic guess.

 

[maelv]

Thanks guys...okay, so I think I will let it ride out see what happens...I am now seeing a bristle worm on it. I assumed it was dying off....but have not had this happen before so I wasn't sure. Okay this is sitting in the tank I have at work, that has nowhere near the lighting nor the flow my home aquarium has. Would you recommend I take it home and try to give it a better environment and a better fighting chance, or wait it out?

 

[bronco300]

whenever i add new zoo rocks to my tank the crabs and shrimp etc usually have a hayday on it cleaning it off, but neve have them get eaten or anything

 

[maelv]

Thanks Bronco300, I am not sure if they are eating or not....just all over it. The frag has been in the tank since last weekend. It was opened up yesterday, but today I just saw the critters all over it and not as open. I will keep my eyes peeled and jump back on here over the week if I have any other questions.