Clean water, feed xenia?

[zachfishman]

I understand that pulsating Xenia is chiefly photosynthetic and doesn't really need feeding, but I have very clean water and don't know if I'll have success if I don't give them something.

In the old days Phytoplex gave me success, but I suspect it was more the dirtying of my water rather than the product itself that did the job. Any product recommendations for something Xenia will actually catch and eat? I also have some LPS, SPS, zoas, and small fish (clown goby and firefish) so anything that any of those might also benefit from would be a plus.

Thanks.

 

[125G Reefer]

Mysis Shrimp. Coral Frenzy. And I must say, you have got to be the first person I have heard of wanting xenia to grow. Are you harvesting it for $$?

 

[zachfishman]

Haha no, I just like it and want to make sure it can establish itself.

 

[AndrEvil]

i know that xenia in some tanks duplicate soooo fast and in other slowly die. i'm in the first case!!!!

 

[captstinky]

I dunno- I'd say if ANYTHING were accepted it would be something like phyto, or maybe squirt a mix of of phyto/detritus on it. It's a pretty slimy coral, I've never seen it behave like it is 'eating'

 

[cjdevito]

Mysis Shrimp. Coral Frenzy.

Considering xenia doesn't have any mouths I'm curious how you'd recommend feeding these foods to it

To the OP, to the best anyone can figure xenia seems to absorb dissolved nutrients. At least to some extent. How much so and how important this is to it is unknown.

Frankly, I wouldn't worry too much. Some tanks xenia thrives in, some tanks it doesn't - for reasons that, again, are largely unknown. Yours will do well or it won't, there isn't much middle ground and there isn't much you can actually do to influence it beyond giving it adequete light, flow and space.

 

[125G Reefer]

He also asked about his other fish.....And coral frenzy......Really......Last time i checked it came in a lil bottle for coral......

 

[DEC6]

If you are feeding fish the organics from the detritis will be enough for most soft corals (unless you are skimming). I have never skimmed my soft coral tank and they grow well.