Using xenia as a natural filtration method

[Miglessa]

Hi guys I would like to know is there is any benefit in having xenia in our system for filtration. I've heard that xenia do actually act as filtration and lower the nitrates in the aquarium. At my LFS I was talled that having xenia located in the sump could actually benefit the system, but I haven't heard of anyone trying this before. I would like to hear from you guys because I'm curious about this more than anything.

 

[shifty51008]

there was a person in our reef club that had a 75 gal xenia tank used a scrubber on his 260 gal tank. he said it worked well but don't remember the reason he took it down. he was also TOTM on here. just look for Travis

 

[Miglessa]

Thanks

 

[Miglessa]

Thanks:bounce2:

 

[shifty51008]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/rs/feature/index.php

here is some good reading on a study. also remember you will need a large ammount of it do notice any decress in nitrates. IMO there are alot better ways to do it.

from the article
"Export efficiency may be measured in a couple of ways, however, and although on a per weight basis Xenia appears to be the best export mechanism, Caulerpa grows far faster in most tanks and it would accumulate a lot more of the needed export per unit time."

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Xeniids for export/filtration is nothing new but I would caution anyone considering it because (in my experience) Xeniids can release harmful allelopathic metabolites that can harm certain other corals.

 

[AquaTDV]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKfhOu2GBaA

I've used them for over a decade, and I've had great results from it. Whenever I clean out pieces to sell the LFS, algae forms on the glass much quicker as if overnight. Until the equilibrium is achieved again. Just don't over skim once your fuge is established, this will have a direct impact on their health.

 

[Miglessa]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKfhOu2GBaA

I've used them for over a decade, and I've had great results from it. Whenever I clean out pieces to sell the LFS, algae forms on the glass much quicker as if overnight. Until the equilibrium is achieved again. Just don't over skim once your fuge is established, this will have a direct impact on their health.

Loved the video. I would like to have a refugium like that and just the xenias pulsating like that. I bet clown fish would love that place.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

nice vid production, AquaTDV. Can you show us a picture of the system your Xenia filters?

 

[AquaTDV]

Here are a few recent pics..

 

[Cmbtmedic1]

Again...grat video and song...BORN FREE!!!!!

 

[Allmost]

it will consume alot of good trace elements.

 

[Mmiller40gt]

it will consume alot of good trace elements.

Yeah I would be concered about the amount of Iodine and other elements it would consume in order to make any dent of nitrates or phosphates.

 

[AquaTDV]

Yeah I would be concered about the amount of Iodine and other elements it would consume in order to make any dent of nitrates or phosphates.

Nitrates are consistanly undetectable with Salifert
Phosphates are .006 (Hanna Total Phosphorus)

I do weekly 10% water changes, and recently started adding 2 drops of Luguls(1/6th the reccommended dosage) directly into the Xenia fuge. I've tested the Iodine levels and found them to be within range, but I was curious on what effect Luguls would have on the colonies.

 

[biocube14g]

Is that all ur filtration other than the sand and LR

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Is that all ur filtration other than the sand and LR

good question!

I'm sure the gigas (clam) acts as a filter, too.

I've noticed that many Montipora suffer when certain Xeniids are present.

What effect have you seen upon the Xenia when using Lugols? I never noticed any significant difference. My Xenia grew just fine without any form of Iodine dosing. The stuff can become a plague and I certainly didn't want it to grow any faster than it did!

Love the song too, BTW. (Elsa and her cubs!)

 

[AquaTDV]

Thank you for the compliments on the video..

I use 2 skimmers both 6"x30": Beckett style/Panworld 100PXX and Needle wheel/Sicce 2500. However now I only one use the beckett skimmer for aeration/water changes, and the Needle wheel is pulling about 2 quarts of dark skimmate a week.
I also have a macro fuge that the Xenia fuge flows into, but the macro grows very slowly.

 

[AquaTDV]

good question!

I'm sure the gigas (clam) acts as a filter, too.

I've noticed that many Montipora suffer when certain Xeniids are present.

What effect have you seen upon the Xenia when using Lugols? I never noticed any significant difference. My Xenia grew just fine without any form of Iodine dosing. The stuff can become a plague and I certainly didn't want it to grow any faster than it did!

Love the song too, BTW. (Elsa and her cubs!)

The Gigas and 9" Maxima both do their fair share of removing nitrates/phosphates and tons of calcium. The system uses 3 1/2 cups of CaCl and 4 cups of baking soda a week....
The only difference I can see when I started using Luguls is the rate at which they multiply, but I'm not 100% sure its the Luguls or other contributing factors.

 

[wildman926]

Here are a few recent pics..

What is that in the 3rd picture, to the right of the clam and torch coral? Awsome tank.

 

[AquaTDV]

I think thats the Green Frogspawn. If that is under the colony of Pink Milli and purple cap. Sorry these pictures really look very grainy.