Emergency!!! Pulsing Xenia problems!!!

[sydney]

I bought a good size piece of pulsating xenia from my fav saltwater store yesterday. It looked healthy in their tank, but since I have put it in mine it doesn't open up (or even stand up). Its laying limp on the rock I put it on. It's in my strongest light area, and has about a medium strenght current. this is my first xenia, so I am not familiar with their behavior, but this doesn't seem right. Please help someone. I don't want to throw all that money down the drain!!! My water quality is excellent. I tested it today. I don't know what else to do. I don't think that there is a better location for it in my tank, and nothing seems to have touched it (as far as fish and crabs go). does anyone have any advice???

 

[dseiler]

If it has only been one day you are probably ok. I moved mine from one tank to another and it took almost a week for him to come out. I wouldn't worry for a couple of days. BUT I would make sure your phosphates are ok, I understand they are really sensitive to that.
[This message has been edited by Dseiler (edited 06-08-2000).]

 

[sydney]

thanks for your advice, it does look a little more opened today. i checked my phosphates and they are at safe levels but i put more fresh phosphate remover stuff in my filter anyway.

 

[clayton]

If your lighting is more than 4 watts per gallon I would move it to a darker spot as it may not be used to so much light.
Always aclimatise corals towards the bottom of the tank and then move them highr if you want over the first few weeks.

 

[sydney]

I just wanted you guys to know, I discovered the problem. It was this little damsel I had in the tank. He was pecking at my zenia when I wasn't looking I guess. I noticed it a couple of days ago and just managed to catch it this morning. My zenia has opened up to triple the size I have ever seen it in my tank within 2 hours of removing the damsel. I am so relieved, but that sucker was so hard to catch!!! I had to take out almost all of my rock and everything. Just wanted to let you all know what happened. All seems to be well now.

 

[robbinson]

I have pulsating xenia as well - its very beautiful - however, it is very difficult to care for relative to other corals (e.g., mushrooms, star polyps, leather corals). I'd give it a few more days (now that you've gotten rid of the damsel - else move to another part of your tank. good luck