View Full Version : Coral Suggestions
VoodooChild
05-20-2003, 11:11 PM
Heyya folks. How difficult are starburst polyps or xenia to keep? I have plans to keep the one bullseye I have to the right, a colony of other discosomas on the left, and something different in the middle underneath the 96w quad bulb. I can place it as close or as far away as needed. I'm also open to other suggestions, such as bubble corals. Thanks alot!
Boogiechillin
05-22-2003, 4:25 PM
Xenia either thrives or completely crashes - there is very little in-between. For most people, it grows like a weed, especially if alkalinity is kept toward the higher end of optimal. Pulsing xenia does get a neat "wow!" effect from people that have never seen it before, which is always fun. :D
On the other hand, star polyps are pretty and much more reliably easy. Your call - either would probably work, and neither one is terribly expensive. Make a point to dose a little iodine weekly for optimum growth regardless of which one you choose.
VoodooChild
05-23-2003, 5:35 AM
Thanks alot Boogie. It'll be in July or August, so I have some time to think, but that definantly helps out!
go with the star polyps!
xenia will spread like mad and control 95% of your tank in no time flat! lol!
slipknottin
05-24-2003, 12:14 AM
My xenia grew very well for about three months (had two frags) it split a few times and at least doubled in size. About a month ago the colony crashed and withered away to nothing in two days.
No idea why, but Im going to get another couple frags in a month or so.
VoodooChild
05-26-2003, 1:33 PM
Thanks alot for the help. Sorry JnS, but what you said tipped the scale for me. I think I'm going to go with xenia. I'd find it interesting to see it go everywhere:D
Boogiechillin
05-26-2003, 1:36 PM
You might want to try posting over on Reef Central to see if anyone is looking to get rid of some xenia...when it starts to grow, you oftentimes wind up throwing quite a bit away, kind of like pruning a plant down to a managable size. You might be able to score some for the cost of shipping.
are you a member of the MAS?
VoodooChild
05-26-2003, 1:44 PM
Thanks for the suggestion. How do you make frags? And no I'm not, but I wish to be. I just don't have any time.
I know a guy in wyoming,MN that has billions and will most likley give youf or free, I emailed him and will get back to you when I hear from him.
Boogiechillin
05-26-2003, 7:05 PM
Originally posted by VoodooChild
How do you make frags?
Depends on the type of coral. For softies and SPS, it's usually just a matter of snipping or breaking off a piece of the coral. For LPS corals, it tends to be significantly more difficult...the only store-bought corals that I kept were LPS as I got all of my softies and SPS from trading or buying from other aquarists.