How come my Xenia doesnt pump?

[xxxbadfishxxx]

I have Pom Pom Xenia in both my 50 Gallon and 12 gallon nano, but it doesnt pump like in the stores. It does spread, and i have had it for over a year, but it just doesnt pump like in the stores. any ideas?

Jeff

 

[Kigs]

my xenia usually doesn't pump when under direct flow, or if they are not happy about their position/environment.

 

[kpcollins31]

Lighting seems to be the biggest factor for me - mine pump like crazy under T5s. Unfortunately, they spread like crazy too. I have noticed that pH does not seem to have a big impact (mine used to be ~7.8 until I started dosing Kalkwasser - now it is up to 8.4 or so). My nitrates tend to be relatively "low" at 5-10ppm. I also keep my salinity at that of natural seawater - 1.026.

Kevin

 

[scott0615]

Consistant salinity and pH are important....consistant being the key word.

 

[FelipeBastos]

They seem to pump when the flow is not real high.

If you have them in plenty of flow, they won't pulse quite so much, or that's what I have noticed.

Felipe

 

[reefbuzz]

In my current tank, a 225g, mine pump in any flow; I have them in several areas of the tank, with varying lighting and flow (15" under 400W MH and good, random flow). However, in my last tank, a 55g, there was less pumping under PCs. I don't think a skimmer is necessary, but consistency is key. In summary, I've noticed that light dictactes pump action more than other variables.

 

[Victoly]

My guess is nutrients. The Xenia pumps to absorb nutrients into its "mouth". I don't run a skimmer and even in places of high flow the xenia is constantly pulsing. My dirtier H20 is supplying constant food for the xenia. The stuff grows out of control just like my monticap. Now if I can get my zoas to spread as fast

 

[TrojanScott]

Depending on the species, I've also read that sometimes they just stop pulsing entirely.... no known reason. Try moving 'em around, low current.