Identify corals please

JustinSmi86 · Sep 7, 2019

These were already attached to live rock when purchased.

ShadowReef · Sep 7, 2019

1st one looks like a pulsing xenia. This stuff grows like weeds and impossible to get rid of so give it it's own island away from the rest of your brickwork.

2nd is a montipora. An easy SPS coral

just make sure it has flow across the top

JustinSmi86 · Sep 7, 2019

ShadowReef said:
1st one looks like a pulsing xenia. This stuff grows like weeds and impossible to get rid of so give it it's own island away from the rest of your brickwork.

2nd is a montipora. An easy SPS coral just make sure it has flow across the top

I’m not sure I have space to make it an island... lol

vetteguy53081 · Sep 7, 2019

I believe monti setosa

Dkeller_nc · Sep 7, 2019

Then get rid of it! Depending on the exact species, you'll have a whole tank of pulsing Xenia in no time...

vetteguy53081 · Sep 7, 2019

Dkeller_nc said:
Then get rid of it! Depending on the exact species, you'll have a whole tank of pulsing Xenia in no time...

I have 3 big rocks of them for 2+ years and they remain on those rocks

ShadowReef · Sep 7, 2019

Oh lol. IMHO, I would get it out or if your sump is sufficiently lighted put it in there. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest it can be a nutrient export but not 100%. It might look nice now but take it from me, when it becomes the only thing you can see in the tank, it's a nightmare

Dkeller_nc · Sep 7, 2019

vetteguy53081 said:
I have 3 big rocks of them for 2+ years and they remain on those rocks

Yep, just like GSP, there are probably different species/strains, and some cause massive problems and some don't. In my case, I have a small rock of GSP that's been in my nano for years and years without taking over the tank. But there's lots of posts by folks that strongly regret ever putting it in their tank.

Better safe than sorry, IMHO.

JustinSmi86 · Sep 7, 2019

Well taking a closer look I believe this one maybe the invasive kind. Only been in there two weeks and I see more developing in other locations... probably time to pull rock. How do go about removing the ones spreading?

ShadowReef · Sep 7, 2019

JustinSmi86 said:
Well taking a closer look I believe this one maybe the invasive kind. Only been in there two weeks and I see more developing in other locations... probably time to pull rock. How do go about removing the ones spreading?

Honestly, if you leave any remnants, it will grow back. Either ditch the rock without removing all your biological filtration or where you see small parts developing, cover with super glue or reef putty

JustinSmi86 · Sep 7, 2019

ShadowReef said:
Honestly, if you leave any remnants, it will grow back. Either ditch the rock without removing all your biological filtration or where you see small parts developing, cover with super glue or reef putty

Can I save the current rock by putting it in an unlit brute van with my curing dry rock or will this just pop right back up when lights are applied? Would hate to contaminate 120lbs if rock.

MixedFruitBasket · Sep 7, 2019

I have found that the aptasia eating file fish will decimate Xenia. They may also pick at your zoas tho, and kill your shrimp, but they will mow that Anthea and Xenia down if they get a taste for it.

ShadowReef · Sep 7, 2019

JustinSmi86 said:
Can I save the current rock by putting it in an unlit brute van with my curing dry rock or will this just pop right back up when lights are applied? Would hate to contaminate 120lbs if rock.

Never tried something like this, but it would be a possibility. I would be tempted to house a small piece in a breeder in there first and see how long it takes to die without the risk of it spreading but this is guesswork. Not sure if the decaying matter would be an ammonia source for bacteria in the rock and help the curing process or whether it would be too much and lengthen it

JustinSmi86 · Sep 7, 2019

ShadowReef said:
Never tried something like this, but it would be a possibility. I would be tempted to house a small piece in a breeder in there first and see how long it takes to die without the risk of it spreading but this is guesswork. Not sure if the decaying matter would be an ammonia source for bacteria in the rock and help the curing process or whether it would be too much and lengthen it

May have just found a science project... got a 55 gallon in my garage with broken bracing... maybe put it in there and see what happens with a few dry rock...