Finding Out about Xenia

[karen h.]

Hello All, my name is Karen,
I have just joined this suite, and finding out about all kinds of good tips. I have a 75 g, with live rock and a few fish. But now have been seeing this coral called pulsing xenia. I find myself setting and watching it move so graceful in the water. Is it truly easy to keep, I want to try some but am afraid Id kill it. I want some easy keeping coral. Does anyone have some good info they can share. Thanks

[jenglish]

Some people get it and it grows like a weed. I tried it twice a few years ago in a different tank and I couldn't keep it alive to save my life. SO I can't help much I know it can uptake a lot of nitrates so pristine water quality isn't absolutely needed/ SHoot they may do better w/ a little poo floating around Welcome to TRT! Someone that knows more than just how to kill them should be around shortly!

[karen h.]

Hello Jeremy, and nice to meet you. I think I will keep a check on the post, not even sure Im doing them right. But I think I want to try the Xenia, I have heard they are fairly cheap also. At least I wont feel so bad if I kill it. But hope I dont, maybe someone will give me a smally frag to try. LOL

[Caramel]

Hi Karen, Welcome!
I just started few months ago a 75g too and bought a pulsing xenia. I have now 2 different kinds, they are doing really well and grow like weed. No special tricks on my end. I've heard experienced people say they couldn't keep them and this even in new tank. What I know is they love flow so proximity to a power head helps.

[robb in austin]

It is very pretty and fun to watch but I'd recommend caution. I added a rock with 5-7 stalks on it and it has attempted to take over my tank.

If you get it on a rock, I'd place it in the sand away from anything else. This won't stop it but will slow it down and allow you to keep it in check. That, or surround it by aggressive, slow growing corals.

[aquawolf]

Welcome to TRT!!!

You don't say where you are from, but there may be a reef club near you with members that would be willing to give you some Xenia if you want it.

[crvz]

As common as it is, there does seem to be a bit of mystery to it. Some people view it like a plague, others can't get it to pulse, and yet others can't keep it alive at all, all in seemingly similar setups. But, if you like it, I say give it a try. most of the time it's pretty easy coral (though it can leave a good stink on your hands!).

[karen h.]

Im sorry I didnt say where I was from, did I. Well Im from Cartersville Ga. Im 51yoa and started with saltwater 2years ago. Couldnt get enough. Now want Coral, something very easy to keep without killing it. I have just 2weeks ago set up my 65g to salt. LoL as if I dont have enough to do with the 75g. Well its nice to have a place to come and chat about things/whats wrong/and what kind. Its good to meet yall, and hope I can find someone who wants to get rid of some of their Xenia who is near me, thats what Id like to put into the 65g tall with a blue hippo when it is ready.

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT! Xenia is one of those corals that either does great(to great) or doesn't work out.It seams to like dirtier tanks.I had it growing so fast,I'd frag it once a week(5 frags).Once I got a better skimmer it didn't live to long after that!You need to get it locally,because it doesn't ship well.

[aquawolf]

It looks like you are a little ways outside of Atlanta and Marietta. The Atlanta Reef Club has a forum on this board under the club section, so you may want to try posting in there to let them know you are looking for Xenia. Hopefully someone will see the post and be able to set you up.

[XeniaGirl]

I agree - mine grows like crazy and I have to frag it about once a month. It's not picky about flow, lighting, or water quality so it's a GREAT starter coral (imo, probably the best). It does not sting other corals so, while it grows fast and spreads, it won't kill your other corals. You'll see it release a stem or two to go floating around the water until it attaches onto something else. It is a bit gooey to frag though, although you can use your fingers/nails to remove it from where it's attached. (And it smells bad when you do this, eugh!). But it won't harm your water or anything.
If you have any more questions you're welcome to message me. Good luck!

[BlackwaterMerk]

from the time ive put xenia and a coco worm in my tank my nitrates have become 0. I was wondering how but now know the xenia is due a pat on the back.

[Smorgousford]

My xenia is growing great in my tank. My setup is as follows:

- 12g Tank
- 77 watts of power compact light (50/50)
- No protein skimmer
- Two power heads to make a nice turbulent current
- I add Seachem Reef Complete once a week
- Temperature varies between 78*-80* over the day
- 14 hours of lights on
- Specific gravity of 1.026
- Live rock and live sand

Good luck!

[ChilisREasy]

xenia is not too picky...i raised them under 120w Pc lights just keep your water parms good & flow medium to low..