xenia control

[ChrisK]

I bought 2 small stalks of Xenia in early March and I now have 10. I didn't realize it would grow this fast. I have it in a 24 gal. Nano and I need to thin it out. What is the best way? Should I just cut it out or is there a better way to harvest it to possibly sell or transfer to a different tank. Any advise would be great.

Chris

[Whoyah]

You can use a razor blade to cut the stalk at the base but the "stump" will soon grow back. I actually had a some get sucked to powerhead which cut a few hands. After 4 months, those hands are now sizable stalk of xenia. That stuff grows. Some people make an "island" to isolate it from rest of the LR.

[Sweetpea]

Some people make an "island" to isolate it from rest of the LR.

That is a definite option. I wish I had known about it before the xenia took over my tank! (I, too, had no idea it would grow that fast!) When my new tank is ready (should be soon!) I plan to cut the stalks as close to the rock as possible, zap the stumps with kalk paste (hoping they won't grow back), attach the frags to a rock, and take them to my LFS for credit. With all the xenia I have, I should be able to get the fish I want for my new tank for free! (They said they'd give me $15 for every 4-5 stalks... sounds good to me!)

[Reef_Angel]

You know what I'd do to get some zenia! I'd love to have some of the chunks that you folks may be throwing away. I believe I may actually be able to grow it in my pony tanks. If I pay the shipping, would any of you over zenia'd reefers be willing to part with some of those big chunks your cutting away? I sure would appreciate a good pile of it. Then tell me exactly what additives you add to your tank to keep them so happy! I appreciate this greatly!
Thanks Much! Angel :angel06:

[jojo22]

Wish this would have came up 2 weeks ago. I just got rid of all mine but if it sprouts up again you will be the first to know.

[Reef_Angel]

Thanks for thinking of me. I like to share my stuff to. Right now I don't have much to share since we lost everything in our 180g tank. Now we're limited to a 45g tank, and it fills up fast, so I have to pick my coral carefully! The 45g pony tank has room for this and that, but in careful quantity and special care so it doesn't hurt the ponies! Thanks so much again! Angel :angel02:

[mutts]

I wish i had that good luck with my xenia... i have killed everyone i have added to my tanks... grrr....

[lReef lKeeper]

what i do is ... cut slit in the flesh between the stalks and gently peel it off the rock. then place it in a specimen container with some holes or slits cut into it (for water flow) add some LR rubble to attach to and you will soon have xenia frags out the wazoo. or you can cut the flesh between stalks and superglue it to the LR rubble and you will have INSTANT xenia frags. i use the container for a more natual aproach but either one works for me.

Angel, when i get more frags i will let you know. right now i only have one but the way it grows ... it shouldn't be very long until i have 100.

[ChrisK]

I will be removing all of my stalks except for 2 or 3. I plan to put 1 or 2 in my 75 gal but keep them away from the rest of the rock. What is the best way to get them to attach to other rock rubble and how does superglue work when they are wet? Also, someone asked about what additives were added to make them grow so well. The only things I add to my tank are Kent Calcium, Iodine, and Stronium & Molydbedum. Basically a starter kit that Kent offers for $15. I do this about 2 times per week and I also do 10% water changes every other weekend.

[lReef lKeeper]

i would say it is the Iodine and Stornium that is most beneficial to the xenia. the superglue works well, and just leaving them in a container (with grooves cut in it for circulation) for a couple days works well too. if you are in a hurry for the frags then i would suggest a couple drops of superglue on the rock and just press the xenia base to it for a couple seconds.