Xenia question

[lickyricky]

So I have noticed that my pulsing xenia tends to retract/close up whenever the light cycle changes (its on timers) and then take a little while to come back out. Normally, it spreads upwards and gets pretty long polyps but lately it has been looking like its more stubby and and extending from side to side instead of upwards. Normal?

 

[Platehead]

I do not an answer for that, but watch out the xenia will take over your tank. Mine have killed zoas and sps.

 

[Steven R]

I believe that they are reaching for light and then when your lights come on it is somewhat of a shock so they close back up and when they realize it is ok they come back out.

 

[Steven R]

and +1 to them taking over a tank I would isolate them on a rock of there own in the sand bed.

 

[STL]

Could just be growing - watch your tank temp and water parameters, and make any corrections very slowly (esp. alkalinity). Xenia doesn't like rapid changes.

Seachem Reef Plus is like xenia fuel, btw. Just take care that it doesn't overrun your tank, what the guys above are saying is absolutely true! Xenia tends to move up rockwork, but also spreads by touching. If it can touch something while it's waving around, it will stick and then bridge there and then split to a new colony. It's fun to watch, but it can easily get out of hand. But knowing it tends to move up and spreads by touching, you can contain it.