help with xenia

[phishface]

Hello all, and thanks in advance for any answers or advice or both.
I know what to feed, but Im not sure how often. I know you gotta stop mechanical and skimming for at least an hour. I got it as a fathers day gift, but wasnt ready or expecting such a gift. Im running at:
sal 1.025
temp 78
ph 8.0
ammonia 0.0
nitrate 0.0
I have it about 8" from surface in a decent amount of flow. I have it under 2 10k and 2 true 03 blues t-5's. Any suggestions?

 

[coraljunky]

I have mine in the sand with good flow, its happy. Xenia are extremely hardy and easy to care for. Do you have other filter feeders?

 

[rbrockm1]

are they getting some flow to them or are they in a dead spot.

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by phishface
Hello all, and thanks in advance for any answers or advice or both.
I know what to feed, but Im not sure how often. I know you gotta stop mechanical and skimming for at least an hour. I got it as a fathers day gift, but wasnt ready or expecting such a gift. Im running at:
sal 1.025
temp 78
ph 8.0
ammonia 0.0
nitrate 0.0
I have it about 8" from surface in a decent amount of flow. I have it under 2 10k and 2 true 03 blues t-5's. Any suggestions?
I know it sound kind of ironic, but xenia really like some nitrates and also you might have to dose once in a while with some iodine.

 

[phishface]

No this is my first.

 

[phishface]

I read that they dont like the trates and need ph =8.3?? But I dont know. Thats why Im here.

 

[phishface]

So, my question was how often do I feed? But, Im reading they dont need to be fed they eat through photosynthesis? Is this correct?

 

[earlybird]

regular water changes should be all that you need. Don't have to feed.

 

[marka1620]

I feed mine with marine snow about once a week and do a 15-20% water change about every 3-4 weeks. I also dose with Kent's essential elements about once a week (half recommended dose).
I have had my Xenias about a month and a half and they have nearly tripled. I also have mine in medium to high flow and about 8 inches under T-5's.
You probably don't even need to feed them as stated if you are up on your water changes. They are very hardy....much success to you

 

[jmick]

I have had xenia for years and IMO, they do not need to be fed. They seem to thrive in water with some nutrients and decent lighting. Also, I would not add any iodine to your tank, unless this is something you can test for. Regular water changes will replenish trace elements. If you want them to spread at a fairly fast rate tip the rock they are on, they tend to move upwards and leave bits behind and spread like crazy!

 

[thud]

No worries.
Xenia pulse the best at a higher alkalinity level. Some say they do best with a heavy bioload in the tank. Quick changes in pH will kill it (it'll hurt most everything else as well im sure)
Xenia will take over your tank within two months.

 

[phishface]

Thanks to everyone who responded!!