xenia question

[mathias]

I had some xenia on a rock and it was pretty colorful but now I don't know if my starfish ate it and something else grew...


but it looks like the xenia that was there with no color and long tentacles.... but a lot of it.... any idea? I might be able to take pic later

[Instar]

Starfish don't prey on xenia. Sounds like an aiptasia take over. Pic would help.

[GaryP]

I've never heard of anything eating Xenia. Apparently, its bad taste is its major defense. I know of some people that wished they could find something to eat it. When it comes to Xenia there are 2 kinds of reefers. Those that can't get it to grow, and those that wish they could get rid of it. The main thing to remember about Xenia is that it is entirely photosynthetic and needs a lot of light. Its grows slowly in my softie tank under VHO's. It grows like a weed in my SPS tank under MH's. I recommend at least 5-6 watts/gal. for Xenia.

Gary

[JimD]

Some "pygmi" angels eat the stuff, cant remember which ones right off the bat. Gary, (anybody) whats the best way to remove Xenia from live rock, I started off with a couple of nice looking stalks, now I have a forest! Looks cool and all, I just dont want a takeover...
Thanks

[don-n-sa]

Gary, (anybody) whats the best way to remove Xenia from live rock, I started off with a couple of nice looking stalks, now I have a forest! Looks cool and all, I just dont want a takeover...

I have had success keeping xenia under control by this method:

when I do my weekly tank maintenance ( water change / syphoning) I identify with stalk and or stalks that I want removed

then I just use the hose that have for syphoning in hand and I slowly move the hose over the xenia that is "marked" and with carefull urgency I vacuum the xenia away.

just be careful not to let anything coming from the departing xenia to escape the tube or you can have other xenia popping up in other places...hope this helps

[JimD]

Hey cool! So youre saying that the force of the syphon is enough to pull the Xenia from the rock,,,,,, Ill give that a go...
Thanks!

[don-n-sa]

yeah...some of them come right off, but others require you to use your finger and press against the tube and pull the xenia off.

oh and I should say use gloves but I do not