I have a 29BC with 40 lbs LR and I wanted to try adding some zoas and possibly ricordea. Tank is 8 months old, running sapphire skimmer, purigen, ammonia zero, nitrites zero, nitrates 4-5ppm (want to add fuge w/macro algae), calcium currently at 350 (going to start b-ionic), using ro/di water, phosphates/silicates zero. Currently stock lighting. Coralline algae starting to dominate. I have one large rock (20lbs) that is the focal point of the tank with two others in the foreground. It is not possible for me to remove the largest rock without totally disturbing the tank at this point. If I get zoas or other corals growing on the large rock, how to I trim them back without removing the rock from the tank? Won't the corals leech toxins into the water if I try cutting them off underwater? Also, I am living in Alaska and will be moving to Dallas in a year. I will be shipping my rock. Can I safely remove the corals from the rock before shipping? Thanks for any advice.

In addition to the parameters you've mentioned you'll want to be monitoring/maintaining Alk levels. Though you may be able to get away with it, stock lighting is not normally recommended for keeping corals.

I wouldn't worry about how to trim back the zoas given that you're going to be moving within a year. Even if the frags grow quickly, they'll be contained by (and will usually coexist peacefully) with adjacent frags. If necessary, you could use a sharp implement to pry under any uncontained zoas, taking a little rock if possible, and peel back the mat as necessary. "Toxins" won't be a problem.

Cheers,

Mark