Xenia

[TopNotch]

I am interested in purchasing some pulsing Xenia, however have heard mixed reviews on them. Some people say that they are hard to keep, others find it easy. Some people say they dont even worry about their chem levels, others find it diffcult to keep them healthy.

Right now i have mushrooms, Green star polyps, Yellow polyps, shrimp, and hermits... Ive kept them for years now under NO light, with no problems at all. They are all thick, healthy, and multiplying.

What do you think? Should i even attempt at them? I really dont feel like upgrading my bulbs.[/u]

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
I keep three varieties of Xenia under 3X40W normal output florescence in a 60 gal without problem.

What you heard is *ALL* correct. Keeping Xenia for newbies (even advanced reefers) are like throwing darts blindfolded.

 

[TopNotch]

Well it sounds like you have no problem keeping them under NO light, thats awesome. Id really like to give it a shot, I just dont like to kill stuff if there was no chance in keeping it in the first place. I think I'll keep it in the middle or middle/upper section of the tank, so the light is pretty strong.

Ill have to find a nice spec. this week. Thanks!

 

[Man-grove]

Are there different types that are easier/harder to keep?

For a newbie reef keeper what would you guys recommend? mushrooms? Polyps?

I have currently 2X40watt NO bulbs and have a extra 2X40watt NO that I might be able to crowd onto the top of my 55gal tank.

 

[Anonymous]

I would sell ya some but I keep mine high up close to the VHOs and I do not think they would fare well in your tank with the NOs. As far as different types, yes there are different types of xenia. Plus you have to factor in how they were treated after collection or propagation. Just like mine are under VHOs, they would adapt better to another tank with similar conditions. But there is usually xenia at the Pet barn in Franklin Square. Give them a call and ask for Paul. Tell him the guy that gives him the xenia frags sent you. He keeps them under less light so they may adapt better. If you are hell bent I will frag some for you in the near future. I will attempt to move them to the bottom over time to make them suitable for you. I would still suggest you move them high up under NOs. That also depends on where you live on LI, some might not drive very far for xenia.