ID new coral?

gemini9 · Nov 3, 2014

Well I grabbed up a little coral from LFS this past weekend. $30 for a small nickel sized piece!!! Was wondering what it is, how fast it grows, and any tips you can offer about it's placement. What kinda flow, salinity, etc. It's my first coral. With the price of their corals at LFS, it may be me only piece for awhile lol

Close up

A nassuris snail wanted in the pic

Full tank. Snail is gone.

Pete polyp · Nov 3, 2014

Looks like Xenia

gemini9 · Nov 3, 2014

I asked LFS what it was and he rambled out some long scientific 17 sylable name that I couldn't even pronounce

gemini9 · Nov 3, 2014

I looked up the Xenia and I do believe that's what it is. I noticed the heads opening and closing or "pulsing" as it was described. So what do you recommend for placement of the Xenia? Bottom or near the top? Looks like they need allot of light and flow from what I read.

Pete polyp · Nov 3, 2014

Its pulsing Xenia for sure then. It grows fast and should spread pretty quickly. Some people believe it can decrease nitrates.

mrBananas · Nov 3, 2014

It will eventually take over your tank. My tends to move elsewhere when it's not happy with its current location. The only time it gets upset is when water temp exceeds 85 in my experience.

afamousjohnson · Nov 3, 2014

Ya i know some folks that run xenia fuges on their system. In some tanks (majority it seems) grows like a weed others cant grow it at all. $30 for a nickle - sounds a lil steep for xenia.lol jmo

Noticed that seems to be 1 of your 1st corals. Good starter coral. A lot of folks will tell you to take it out because they spread uncontrollably and will end up in spots you dont want them as your tank progresses. But if you like it thats all that matters.

I controlled the growth for the most part by keeping mine at the highest point i could get it in the tank as they seem to grow up to the light - hence no growing upward room at the top - seems to stay put pretty good.

afamousjohnson · Nov 3, 2014

Isn't xenia one of the only "self propelling" corals out there - as they can create their own current to bring themselves food. Always thought it was cool when everything was off leaving no movement in the tank except the xenia pulsing away

bwalders65 · Nov 3, 2014

Definitely a type of xenia. They will grow like weeds once they are happy.

gemini9 · Nov 3, 2014

Grow like weeds? Wow. Well, they can be trimmed and controlled can't they? Nice picture bannana! Mine aren't that big tho. The Xenias I brought home are really small. It's okay if they grow a little because my tank is kinda bare right now, but If they spread too much I'll just remove some of them. It's not that hard to do right? Maybe I'll pass some on to another beginner who needs something in their tank.

mrBananas · Nov 6, 2014

Yup, they're easy to cut and remove. I've got some stalks floating around on the sand bed now that I'll be taking to the LFS to see if I can trade in for some RO/DI water, haha.