Xenia- the Canary in a Co(r)al Mine

[harryjsinger]

I keep a small frag of Xenia in my Nanocube to warn me of high nutrient water or other problems.

When the nutrients are low (better for my SPS), the Xenia stays small and will not open a lot. When the water is high nutrient, it fully extends and begins to grow.

Its my version of a "Canary in the coal mine"; when my water gets dirty the Xenia will grow and expand, indicating a need for a GFO changing.

To all who do not know, miners used to keep canaries in cages in the mines. When there was poisonous gas, the canary would become silent and the miners would know to get the **** out of there before they get poisoned.

Does anyone else do this?

 

[Snarl]

I keep a small frag of Xenia in my Nanocube to warn me of high nutrient water or other problems.

When the nutrients are low (better for my SPS), the Xenia stays small and will not open a lot. When the water is high nutrient, it fully extends and begins to grow.

Its my version of a "Canary in the coal mine"; when my water gets dirty the Xenia will grow and expand, indicating a need for a GFO changing.

To all who do not know, miners used to keep canaries in cages in the mines. When there was poisonous gas, the canary would become silent and the miners would know to get the **** out of there before they get poisoned.

Does anyone else do this?

 

[Snarl]

The theory behind this seems logical, however as I have no SPS corals yet I cannot give any definite response on it. I am curious to hear what others have to say. I would think that by the time the Xenia react to the increase in nutrient levels damage may already be done to your SPS. My knee jerk response would be not to rely on your Xenia but have it as back up to regular maintenance and testing.

 

[cloak]

Check these out.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2427771&highlight=canary

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1869224&highlight=canary

HTH.

 

[harryjsinger]

Lol cool- so Im not the first one to do this!

 

[Neebles]

I use my GSP in a similar way...if they aren't open there is typically something off with my parameters

 

[Webmanny]

Same here. I have Xenia and Kenya tree. When they look sad, my tank is clean, but if they look great, I was too much nutrient in the water column.