how to keep pom pom xenia small and compact?

[organism]

I've had pom pom xenia in my system for a few months now and it's been stretching a fair bit from day one. My friend's tank I got it from had it under a bit more light intensity but not much, it's not getting too much flow now, more like swaying in the breeze. I'd like to get it back to that compact look if possible, does anyone have any tips on what has worked for them? Stronger flow, higher light?

 

[djfrankn]

Hey there. The Xenia is a coral which does not have a demand of intense light. It only needs nutrients in the water.
Short story: when I first got started in the hobby I had a xenia given by a friend in a hexagon tank with no light other than sunlight going through a window and then through the tank. It grew, slowly but it did (it was more like a experiment, so imagine how hardy this coral is).
So I have learned that if you keep 'em with low flow and position 'em in low to medium light area they will grow faster since they don't recede and the polyps are constantly open catching particles form the water column. So my suggestion would be place it in an area with high light intensity (do the transition slowly) and with medium flow (not so strong that will make the coral to remain close). Regards.

 

[Gill_bucket]

I think high flow makes them more compact but I'm sure their are other factors. IME you can never have too much light.

 

[organism]

Will move them up and give them a bit more flow and see how it goes, thanks for the info!

 

[lgtentacle]

More light will help, or just more actinic light depending on your preference. Depending on your existing water flow, a little more flow may tighten them up a bit, but high flow tends to make them unhappy and they will wander alot more. Moderate flow and high light always worked for me.