Xenia Issue

[Brodie]

Recently, my Xenia has begun to not open all the way. It's been in the tank for about 6 months, and has always done fine.

Today, the arms of the Xenia expanded, but the actual hands/fingers (yes, I know this is a horrible way to describe the anatomy) remained curled. It remained like that all through the lighting schedule of my [acronym:6a4d35af6f="Power compact fluorescent"]PC[/acronym:6a4d35af6f]'s and [acronym:6a4d35af6f="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:6a4d35af6f].

Anyone seen this before?

[DragonForce]

I have a small batch in my reef tank. They seem to look real nice sometimes, and on other days curl up and look like their doing bad. Usually they will perk up for an hour at a time or so on the bad days. This is also the case in my moms nano cube.

[Brodie]

I've had this Xenia for a good deal of time, and it has started doing this the entire last week. I have no idea what's wrong, but it looks as though it's dying.

[DragonForce]

Is it turning sort of pale? If it is, all I can say is that mine turned real pale once, then I woke up and they looks perfectly healthy. Check your levels and maybe do a 20% change if you feel it to be just.

[PC]

Xenia are flakey sometimes. However, a cursory check of Ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, [acronym:5ba9f1f25e="Alkinity"]alk[/acronym:5ba9f1f25e] and [acronym:5ba9f1f25e="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:5ba9f1f25e] are in order (Assuming temp is good) Xenia are the heartbeat of my tank. If they aren't happy, something is typically afoot. (elevated po3 or [acronym:5ba9f1f25e="Phosphate"]po4[/acronym:5ba9f1f25e], time to change bulbs, etc)

GL!

[revhtree]

I dont know what recently crashed my tank, but I had alot of xenia in there and I honestly believe that something killed the xenia which started a chain reaction in my tank. If you have alot keep a good closeeye on it. If it starts to smell get it out fast. [acronym:04826810b1="In My Experience"]IME[/acronym:04826810b1]..

[Brodie]

I cut out all the Xenia, kind of a pre-emptive move. Girlfriend thought it was pretty extreme, but I don't think it's worth the risk of losing my tank.

Rev, sorry to hear about your tank crashing. If you want some [acronym:3526adc281="Broken or cut pieces of coral which will eventually grow into a new animal"]frags[/acronym:3526adc281], pay the shipping and I'll send you some stuff.

[afilter]

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but on a related note is Xenia something to avoid for a coral newbie?

I have been told it is hardy, but also have concerns about it overtaking my tank and crowding out other corals. This is now the 2nd post where someone is concerned about it dying off and crashing a system.

Thoughts?

[acronym:cbc2a8b683="By the way"]BTW[/acronym:cbc2a8b683], Brodie people like you are why I love this site, more than willing to help out a fellow hobbyists.

Rev, I too am sorry for your loss. I hope you do not give up as I have truly appreciated your advice.

[acronym:cbc2a8b683="Thanks in Advance"]TIA[/acronym:cbc2a8b683],

[Brodie]

I really love Xenia to be honest. Yes, it's a weed, and attempts to take over the tank, but that's what I like about it. I controlled mine by fragging it out and giving it to friends.

It's a hearty coral, and I plan on eventually getting more.

[PC]

Xenia is considered starter grade. It does not like elevated nitrates and will die off with high nitrates (50 +[acronym:28938c3602="Parts per Million"]ppm[/acronym:28938c3602]) It prefers bright light in the 10K spectrum. Under bright light and decent water conditions it will pulse like crazy. Under bright light and excellent water conditions it will be a weed. I almost lost all of mine when my de nitrator stopped working (Got plugged, salt build up) and the nitrates began climbing in my tank. Around 50 plus [acronym:28938c3602="Parts per Million"]ppm[/acronym:28938c3602] nitrate it was starting to die off as well as other corals getting 'sick'. This stuff is hardy and you just about have to kill it in my experience. It is the heartbeat of my tank though. I can always tell its time to test or change the water when the xenia begins to look a little pale or doesn't pulse like it should. Its one of the most interesting pieces I have. People always ask about the pulsing etc. Its also *very* relaxing to watch. In my 29G it grows in the center under a [acronym:28938c3602="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:28938c3602] light and pulses soo gracefully, I forget what I am playing when Im playing the guitar. As for being a weed, thats an awesome problem to have. Folks will always buy the [acronym:28938c3602="Broken or cut pieces of coral which will eventually grow into a new animal"]frags[/acronym:28938c3602] and it can be cut with little effort and tossed in the trash. As with any really healthy thriving tank, pruning is part of maint.

GL!