Okay I give up...

[Raszagil]

......I just can't find the info I need on Xenia.

Full story:

I have finally saved up the cash for my DIY 2 X 55 PC fixture, and will be ordering it this Monday.

Today after I had just finished a small water change, I accidently busted my hydrometer (don't ask...wince) and so was forced to go to the LFS to get a new one.

While there I was shocked to find some xenia for sale! Which is odd, because I don't see it very often at the LFS's around here. anyway, it was a brownish-pink color, with a wierd twitching like movement.

There was only one small cutting there, and I am upgrading my lights in a few days, so I went ahead and dove for it.

It's in the tank now close to the lights, and appears fine, except that a very few of the the "hands" at the tip of the stalks haven't come fully out, and look like little "balls" at the tip of the stalks.

But the vast majority of the "hands" are out, and the critter looks really good so far. I have done some reading up on these guys, and I know that they need very good water conditions, (which I have) bright light, (give me a few days) lots of water movement, and iodine suppliments can make them happy or sad, depending on who's doing the talking.

I was also very careful to keep it under the water at all times.

My question: What is a lot of movement? Direct current right on it? Enough so it waves around alot? How do I know that it is happy, other then that it's fully expanded.

Lastly, the xenia I have doesn't pulse a whole lot. It "twitches", and the little "fingers" on the tip of it's stalks open and close, but it's not at all coordinated nor very strong/thrashing type of movement. Should I wait a few days before worrying?

Raz





[This message has been edited by Raszagil (edited 04-26-2000).]

[tubs]

No ones replied so I'll give my 2c worth,

When I got some xenia frags about a month ago, it took them about a week to fully perk up. At first, the polyps were contracted tightly into a ball. Slowly, the pumping action increased each day. So what you see is normal adjustment to shock of being moved around.

You can see pics of it when first introduced in the tank at:
http://www.homestead.com/reefflat/files/index.htm

Check the softies page.

As far as movement, you need to make a judgement on this. If you see the polyps sway somewhat in the water, then that should be sufficient. You want to provide enough current to at least aerate the area around it to help it respirate.

Regards,
John Susbilla
Please visit my Reef Flat at: http://www.homestead.com/reefflat/files/index.htm

[Alice]

Hey Rasz;

Sounds like John's right on the $ with his reply.

As far as the iodine goes, you're right...it's still a fairly debatable topic. It's possible that a higher concentration of idodine may help the Xenia, but that's not going to be the only critter in your tank. Iodine is found in only a small trace amount in NSW and I've never found it necessary to dose it. Two water changes a month seem to supply it adaquetly. Believe me...my Xenia are growing like weeds...you can have some...please http://www.thereeftank.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

~Alice

------------------
Reefkeeping is my life; I can't afford a hobby too!

[Raszagil]

Thanks tubs and Alice! I've got it in a high corner of the tank, and have enough current arround it so that is sways about, but isn't thrashed here or there.

It has fully expanded, so I must be doing SOMEthing right! http://www.thereeftank.com/ubb/smile.gif I was considering the iodine, but I think I will wait on it, if I do it at all...

Raz