Stevebk's NanoCube

[stevebk]

Debbie-
Yes, that's a xenia. I believe it's a silvertip, although it wasn't identified when I bought it at the LFS. As far as care goes, it's been pretty easy- definitely in line with my other corals in the tank. I've heard of people having it grow so fast that it takes over their tank, but I haven't found that to be the case. I actually planned for it to grow much faster than it has. Additionally, it tends to "chase" the current- I have noticed it actually leaning in to that powerhead flow like in the photo. Very weird, if you ask me. But from what I hear, some people end up with these things going absolutely nuts and reproducing every day, and some people just have them sort of survive. There seems to be no good explanation of this yet. I have had it for 4 months now, and I'm just now about ready to frag it. Hope that helps.

 

[debbie]

Thanks Steve,
I am wanting to get some of this from my LFS. They call theirs the pulsing Xenia. What is the difference?
Also, do you add calcium to your water for this coral?
Is it fussy about lighting?
Thanks again for your help :yes:

 

[stevebk]

I haven't found them to be finicky about lighting or anything. I do add calcium to the water, not for the xenia but for the pagoda cup coral. For the soft corals, I add iodine on a regular basis, and that seems to keep everyone happy. I don't know what species your LFS is calling a 'pulsing' xenia, but there are a couple of species of this stuff. Try a websearch and just find something that resembles it closely- as far as I know, the care is pretty much the same. Good luck!

 

[debbie]

Steve,
Hi, I bought my xenia today. It is exactly the same kind as you have in your pictures. I got a nice chunk on a piece of rock. The only thing I am worried about is I put it on the bottom by some live rock. The water flow there is quite strong, it was bent over alot. I just moved it to the side of this rock and there is till movement in the water and it is not bent but swaying instead. Is this okay?
Lastley, you said you add iodine into your tank. How do you know if it is needed? Is there a test kit?
I don't like to add anything more than I have to. Adding all these chemicals can sometimes really crash a whole system. Would the xenia give me an indication as to whether or not it is not happy?
It opened up right after I put it into the tank. Is this a good thing?
Thanks again :jumping:

 

[stevebk]

Debbie-
Congratulations on your purchase. I'd say it's definitely a good sign that it opened up right away- don't they look cool? From what I've heard about these corals, if it looks like it's happy, let it be; if it gets upset (retracts, slimes excessively, etc...), you should move it. On these boards there is lots of information, and good books are indispensable.
I should tell you, I'm not an authority on these corals (or any others) by any means- please don't take what I say as perfect advice. I can only tell you my experiences. As far as what I do, my xenia is in pretty strong flow as you can see from the photo, and I add three-fourths of the recommended dose of iodine per week. I do this three different times during the week, so it's actually a quarter dose each time, and I make sure to stay on top of my water changes. I do not have an iodine test kit, but I probably should. In your situation, I'd buy the kit first, then monitor your levels when you do your water changes. This way you'll know if dosing is necessary- plus it's the responsible way to go (Do as I say, not as I do... ). And let us know how it goes!

 

[stevebk]

Has anyone successfully installed a skimmer on these tanks without busting the hood open?

 

[reverai]

>Has anyone successfully installed a skimmer on these tanks without busting the hood open?<
Not as far as I know. Where would you out a skimmer with the hood on anyway!
The new Nano Cube might be better when it comes to a skimmer. They should be available by the end of next month.
Steve

 

[flatzboy]

Nic nano reef steve!! I would like to setup one of these in the future after I get my 46g. bow reef done.