LFS info on Xenia is confusing

[evilfishtank]

So ive had my tank up and running now for about a month. dont have any fish except for a golden wrasse and a decent CUC. I saw a good sized piece of Xenia for 15 bux at the lfs that was on a fist sized piece of live rock. I was about to purchase it and the lfs said i would need to buy it some food as well. That through me off because everything i read said that photosynthesis is the only source of nutrients for Xenia. Please advise.

 

[dazed2040]

They require a medium to high light level combined with a medium to strong water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, they will require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water.
They contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from which they receive the majority of their nutritional requirements. Additional weekly feedings of micro-plankton or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates are also needed.

 

[soulsigma]

They require a medium to high light level combined with a medium to strong water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, they will require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water.
They contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from which they receive the majority of their nutritional requirements. Additional weekly feedings of micro-plankton or foods designed for filter feeding invertebrates are also needed.[/QUOTE
+1

 

[loopy101]

i agree with the other posters!!
but regular water changes should take care of having to add any trace elements and iodine. remember you dont really want to add any chemicals to the tank that you do not test for! iodine can poison your tank if not carefull!

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by loopy101
http:///forum/post/3041447
i agree with the other posters!!
but regular water changes should take care of having to add any trace elements and iodine. remember you dont really want to add any chemicals to the tank that you do not test for! iodine can poison your tank if not carefull!
Whew! You took the words right out of my mouth! Good Call!

 

[dazed2040]

Originally Posted by loopy101
http:///forum/post/3041447
i agree with the other posters!!
but regular water changes should take care of having to add any trace elements and iodine. remember you dont really want to add any chemicals to the tank that you do not test for! iodine can poison your tank if not carefull!

 

[evilfishtank]

so, if i buy them and i have good enough lighting and water flow and do not suppliment them with additional food they will not thrive?

 

[shlap]

Bottom line (in my experience), Xenia grow like weeds with good light. No extra food is required.
They'e the fastest growing coral in my tank and I don't supplement with anything.

 

[michelleolds]

I have had xenia in my tank for a year and never fed. I'm pulling the stuff out and throwing out there's so much of it.