Trimming Xenia Trees

[Jim Cannon]

Be gentle, it's my first time.

I have an overgrowth of Xenia in my 12G Nano. I need to thin it out. I plan to give some to a friend and the rest to my local LFS.

My question is the best and easiest way to do it. It's all attached to LR. Should I just yank it off? I was thinking of using a new razor blade and cutting it as near the rock as possible.

What do you say?

thanks in advance.

One other question. I bought a nice piece of leather coral last night. Tank placement?

 

[Saguaro]

I used to have several different kinds of xenia, when they'd get big, I'd act like Mr. Miagi. Take a pair of my reef designated scissors and go at it. It seamed as though what ever I left would sprout new hands. I mostly would prune it like a tree, cutting close to the stump of each branch, a razor would work too, although you need to use two hands.

Clint

 

[ADA33]

I usually peal it of from the rock with my finger. I get a corner pealed up and slowly work it from the base trying not to rip it. If you do rip it smelly stuff comes out and makes the skimmer go crazy.

 

[Saguaro]

Oh, did I read that wrong?
I agree with widefx, peel it.

 

[Jim Cannon]

thanks for your posts.

I wonder....if I disturb them first so they shrivel up if that will help the process? sounds to me like either process isn't going to hurt them or my tank.

do they scream? *s*

Whatabout the leather placement? close to the light? far from the light?

 

[oldsaltman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9316038#post9316038 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jim Cannon
thanks for your posts.

I wonder....if I disturb them first so they shrivel up if that will help the process? sounds to me like either process isn't going to hurt them or my tank.

do they scream? *s*

Whatabout the leather placement? close to the light? far from the light?

I think it is eaiser to grab them before the shrivel up.

 

[joeyf]

What kind of leather, and what kind of lights?

I have 4x54w T5's on my 90g. My regular brown toadstool likes to be at the ends of the tank where the lighting isn't as intense, at about mid level. My green/gold toadstool likes to be towards the top in the middle (more intense lighting), and my green nepthia will go just about anywhere other than directly under a 250w DE mh (tried it in my old 29g, didn't work too well ).

As for the xenia, cut or peel, either works. Only thing is that if you cut it, it will grow back. If you peel it, as long as you're careful to get all of it, it won't.

 

[Saguaro]

"Whatabout the leather placement? close to the light? far from the light? "

I always start in the sand with new stuff, but that was when I had MH lighting. With the Nano, I would put it wherever it pleases you, then watch it. If it does not seem happy low, move it higher.

Just a thought.

 

[ADA33]

I would put it in the middle.

 

[run4cvr]

I've always just cut them with a razor blade and then promptly rubber-banded them to a frag rock. Then i toss them in the sump to heal/attach.

Oh, and wear gloves. The xenia smell is horrible, and seems i can never get it off my hands.

 

[DjScibbity]

i grab the stalk with my thumb and forefinger and gently but forcefully pull it off the rock. works for me

-JP

 

[Doglover_50]

I love this thread! I'm giggling away for all the wrong reasons. I hadn't tried the technique of the forceful pull off.

 

[Jim Cannon]

thanks for all the great suggestions. I ended up pulling forcefully and cutting.

Tank looks really bare now. I saved two small trees. I think thats what I began with.

Where can I get a Pistol shrimp?

 

[pupfish]

Oh Gawd! Whaddya do with the rest (chant - please not the garbage, please not the garbage)? I need (or rather my clowns) need some (more) xenia!!

Meredith

 

[pupfish]

My post was doubled and I wasn't allowed to delete (just edit)!
???

 

[Philwd]

I've seen pistols at ATR, AA and AT. Just depends if any are left.

 

[Jim Cannon]

PUPFISH! Fret not. They were 're-homed' to a much larger tank.

I should have mentioned that. Sorry.

Thanks again for the info on Pistol shrimps. I already have a 'cleaner shrimp'. Will they be okay with each other?

 

[pupfish]

Whew! I know some folks grow to hate them more than aiptasia. Me - I think they're a most elegant "weed".

Re: Shrimp - Went to the other site (Are we allowed to mention it? Y'know, WWM). Seems to be differing opinions amongst the "experts". Salty Dog sez should be fine together. Calfo says a difference in size could be a problem along with the Pistols' aggressive defense of territory and Fenner says a hungry large cleaner might eat a Pistol!?!!

Happy the xenia are happy,
Meredith