Pulsing Xenia question please

[singold]

Hi, Just in the last few days my Pulsing Xenia which has always thrived has about four stalks that are turning white and shriveling up. What is the the main thing that could cause this that I could check or correct to get it to thrive like it once did?


Ammonia ---0
Nitrites --- 0
Nitrates --- 0
Alkalinity PH --- 8.5
SG -- 1.022

They have Medium flow, Good lighting.

 

[sassafrass]

What has changed in your tank recently ?

 

[atblj5]

Redo your nitrates test, do exactly what the directions say I bet you have nitrates. Nitrates will kill them quick, they look like they are melting.

 

[WhiteLightsaber]

What kind of lighting do you have? When you say medium flow, what do you have for flow? Do you have a way to test for phosphates or silicates? How long have you had the Xenia? Did you put any other corals near it(within 4 in.)? When will I stop asking questions? Oh, and do the clowns live in the Xenia? Maybe I might be able to help.

 

[singold]

I had moved it recently to rearrange things in tank a bit, I've had the Xenia for about 4 months, I have Compact Lighting 10k w/Actinic, 2 Koralia 3's in a 55 gal, flow from a Fluval 305 cannister pump out flow, & a Whisper 60 for water movement, added filtration, Remora Skimmer. The only thing I could think of was that I had moved it to different location in tank recently, or that the rock they are on is crowded with stalks?????

 

[singold]

Also, about two of the stalks are the ones dying, the remainder of Xenia stalks seem fine, they don't appear to be melting just the two stalks turned white and brown, peddles shriveled up appearing to fall off and shrinking. Should I cut these ones off with razor blade???

 

[singold]

In my profile "gallery" you can see a pic of my tank, the Xenia is the pink one on left of tank to see, this pic was about 3 weeks ago.

 

[sassafrass]

It is probably because of the move. don't move them again zenia are very forgiving as far as water quality goes Iv'e actually had them melt away (I thought completely) and then grow back stronger than ever. Chances are a few months from now you will be asking how to get rid of them because they are taking over your tank.
Lee

 

[singold]

Thanks Sassafrass, should I cut off the 2 stalks that appear to be dying, my concern is they are crowding all leaning limp on other stalks restricting pulsing and light? I don't think there is a chance these 2 stalks could come back to health???

 

[sassafrass]

I wouldn't ,Once when I moved my tank my single stalk of xenia turned very dark and shriveled up then split into two stalks and thrived .Xenia doesn't die easily that single stalk from three years ago has made me about $1000.00 and I still have probably 100 more stalks . If you cut the top off with a pair of scissors and rubber band it to a piece of rubble or shell it will attach in a few days and the stalk you cut will grow two new heads . The one you mounted you can sell or trade .
Best of luck , Lee

 

[kernyboy]

what kind of xenia was it?

 

[cloak]

Here's a good article.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-02/ac/feature/index.php