Xenia withering away

jules11vb · Sep 23, 2008

I had some new xenia purchased a few months ago for my 29gal and it is slowly withering away to nothing. At first, it started to stetch out like it was looking for more light, so I bought a new compact 50/50 65wat bulb. Mine was probably close to a year old, so it was time. Now the xenia has turned yellow/green and is just small stumps of flesh. Is there anything else I can do to try to make it recover? Is there anything besides lighting that makes xenia wilt like this? I have heard mixed opinions on whether xenia filter feed or not, but I do feed live phytoplankton a few times a week, so I don't think it is starving. I also have mushrooms, leathers, and some blue clove polyps that are all doing fine. Any suggestions?

turbois300 · Sep 23, 2008

I think that xenia like high alk. It is possible that may have something to do with your losing it. They really like high lighting also (at least in my tank) I started with 2 stalks of 2 different kinds and now have atleast 200 of each (not exagerating unfortunately). I have some replacement for you if you need it. I'd check the alk level in your tank though.

jules11vb · Sep 23, 2008

How do you test and increase the alkalinity? I guess I could just go to my lfs and ask. Can you show me some photos of your xenia? What kind of lighting do you have? Is a compact florescent 50/50 65wat considered decent lighting for a 29 gallon w/ some entry level corals? Suggestions for a cheap upgrade? Thanks!

turbois300 · Sep 23, 2008

Ok well here is a link to my friends site that has some shots of my tank. They are a bit old but you get the point. I have since set up a 38 that has copious amounts of xenia in it. I'll see what I can shoot and upload tonight. My lighting is 2 x 250W MH on the 90 and 4 x 96W PC on the 38.

http://www.rvucich.com/Richv18/Fish.html

I used to have 4 x 65W PC over the 29 and it was ok. If you are looking to upgrade there are tons of used stuff for sale out there. For $125 or less you can go to Metal Halide. T-5 is another option that is relatively affordable. I am not sure of your set up but on that small of a tank the MH generates a heat issue. Not a problem if you can vent it properly, but if you are limited to space then it is a problem.

fishes2889 · Sep 23, 2008

Higher salinity is good with xenia- I keep my tank at 1.026.

Steve_

Triggerhappy · Sep 23, 2008

add iodine. i believe that's the biggest key. it either grows like weeds or shrinks and dies but iodine supplement imo is the key

reefboy · Sep 24, 2008

ALK and PH are biggy's for these types of corals.

reefpeeper · Sep 24, 2008

i agree u need iodine

reefboy · Sep 24, 2008

I'd test before you start dosing Iodine

Garth Schafluetzel · Sep 24, 2008

dont feel bad for some reasom i cant kill kenya trees all my zoas lps and micro do fine but i get any of the xenia frags and they do the same thing your describing. i plan on trying one last time in a 20 gal w t5's on it but it will be mostly a zoa and paly garden. but never could get those weeds in my tank to live i guess in some ways im lucky but thats just strang

JuniorMC8704 · Sep 30, 2008

take a 2 liter bottle. cut the bottom off. place over the xenia and add 1-2 drops of lugols.

instand spot feed for xenia.

you can also use this method to spot feed other corals, and keep fish from stealing all the chow.

igot2gats · Oct 1, 2008

JuniorMC8704 said:
take a 2 liter bottle. cut the bottom off. place over the xenia and add 1-2 drops of lugols.

instand spot feed for xenia.

you can also use this method to spot feed other corals, and keep fish from stealing all the chow.

I love the idea, Junior. How do you keep the bottle from moving if your coral is on LR?