Why can't we keep Xenia?

[Aparker2005]

Hey guys. This is our 2nd attempt at pulsing xenia, and getting the same results in this tank.

Previously had a frag in our 20g. It stayed around for a while but eventually withered away. All of our other corals did just fine.

We got another great looking frag yesterday from Corals Anonymous. Look into the tank today, and it's looking awful. Everything else looking just fine again. Is this just gonna likely be a case of we're one of the 20% that it just won't grow for, or is it likely still adjusting?

Parameters are all good. Temp of 77.

 

[shadow_k]

I’m gonna follow cause I’m having the same issue

 

[Smirkish]

Flow?

 

[Aparker2005]

Flow?

It's under lowish medium right now. Had it in hardly any in the 20

 

[dvgyfresh]

Xenia melted in my tank at first , I think your tank is too new and not dirty enough for Xenia , Xenia likes higher nitrates and dirtier water

 

[dvgyfresh]

I am growing it now lol first frag melted away and now it has grown from a small frag

 

[Aparker2005]

Xenia melted in my tank at first , I think your tank is too new and not dirty enough for Xenia , Xenia likes higher nitrates and dirtier water

This makes sense

 

[Smirkish]

Mine seems to prefer moderate flow. The ones I kept in low flow didn’t seem as happy. I do have higher nitrates as well, and it grows like wildfire.

 

[dvgyfresh]

I think a good beginner frag that “tells” you how ready ye tank is for corals is GSP / zoas. They also give indication when something is off (GSp won’t open , zoas closed)

 

[Aparker2005]

Our gsp and zoas are growing like crazy. So that's good! Gsp is just about my favorite at the moment. Our toadstool leather is doing incredible after 1 day as well

 

[Smirkish]

Try giving it more flow next time, if your other corals are doing that well. They pulse to gather food. Flow will provide them with this without them having to expend the energy of actually pulsing to obtain it.

Edit for clarity: Pulsing is believed to be to gather food, though it has also been suggested that they pulse to increase oxygen. Flow will help either way.

 

[Trouble1375]

My tank is 2 years old and Xenia still melts