Pulsing xenia splitting? Or what?

[Clownfishdude29]

I recently bought a pulsing xenia, it's doing great but I noticed something on it. Here's a pic, i just bought it 2 days ago and im not sure what's on it.

 

[JGT]

I recently bought a pulsing xenia, it's doing great but I noticed something on it. Here's a pic, i just bought it 2 days ago and im not sure what's on it.

Pics blurry but looks like a zoa or paly.

 

[Clownfishdude29]

Can they overtake my pulsing denial?

 

[Spieg]

Unlikely. Xenia will overtake most polyps when competing for space. I'd probably try to cut the Zoa off the base and glue it to another plug before the Xenia shades it out.

 

[Clownfishdude29]

Ok, u sure it's a zoa?

 

[Spieg]

Not the best photo but I'd say 90% its a Zoa/Paly

 

[Clownfishdude29]

How should i cut it to avoid hurting it? Im a new reefer and have never cut coral.

 

[Spieg]

Clean cut with a razor as close to the base as possible. Also be aware that those polyps can be pretty toxic so wear gloves and eye protection.

There are a lot of video demonstrations if you do a quick web search for fragging zoanthids.

 

[ReeferWarrant]

I read this article before I started fragging my zoas, extremely helpful. Like @Spieg said though, it looks like a zoa/paly and the xenia will likely overtake it in time.

Fragging Zoanthids

How to frag zoanthids.

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Clownfishdude29]

If i cut it a little above the bottom will it die? I want both corals to live

 

[Spieg]

Xenia is super hearty so not much risk there.

 

[Clownfishdude29]

I was thinking about the zoa to, i meant like the bottom of the zoa

 

[Spieg]

You want to get as much of the zoa as you can (it may even be a little crusty on the base so try to get that too). If you nick the Xenia a little, it's no big deal. Use a sharp razor to make it easier to cut clean.

 

[ReeferWarrant]

Get as close to the frag plug as you possibly can, I use a razor blade while wearing gloves and goggles like above mention. I just make slow scrapes at the base of it until it comes off, then use gel glue to reapply it to a new plug or rock. I'd put that one on a plug until you find out what Zoa it is, some of them can be invasive and take over your tank. Then again so can Xenia.

 

[ReeferWarrant]

Also, you might want to open up windows or work in a well ventilated area. Probably being overly cautious but worth it in the long run. The toxins in the zoa can get on your hands or squirt out of the polyp so just make sure you wash your hands and have eye protection.

 

[Clownfishdude29]

Ok

 

[ReeferWarrant]

Not trying to scare you, I think a lot of people on here over hype the palytoxins. I've fragged at least 30 zoas and havent had any issues. However, I also dont take it lightly and respect what it could possibly do by taking all of the precautions I can.