Well...It finally happened...

SurfnFish · 07/29/2007, 10:48 PM

I knew coming into this hobby it was only a matter of time before I converted from a FO to a Reef Tank. I just inherited some rock tonight that has Pulsing Xenia, and some other various polyps on it. I need to cover a few basics first. I planned on upgrading my lighting eventually, but now I have way less time. I know I need better lighting, and I understand what corals need. My question is, will this thing live under the current 36 watts I have right now in my 55 gallon? Since I have a FOWLR tank, I just used the lights that came with it. I should have new lighting within the next 10 days. Also, do I need to target feed my new coral? I have him at the highest rock in my tank right now. It's about 12 inches from the actual bulb itself. I'm not sure if this helps. Thanks in advance.

Tim

BrandonS · 07/29/2007, 10:51 PM

I have a 4 bulb Tek T5 fixture on my 75g. I moved my xenia from halfway up the tank to the sand. (it's on a peice of rubble rock). Within a few days each polyp's "arm" started elongating. From what I understand this is a sign it isn't receiving enough light.

Not a straight answer, but you can maybe use it to guage if yours would be alright. Oh and I'm not sure if you were referring to the other misc. coral or your xenia when you asked about feeding. The xenia don't have a digestive track and are strictly filter feeders so you do not need to spot feed them.

SurfnFish · 07/29/2007, 10:58 PM

Thanks Brandon. Good to see you again. It's been awhile.

jer77 · 07/29/2007, 11:27 PM

Well, I kept xenia under a NO fluorescent before and it survived for about a few months. It did elongate and the hands stopped pulsing and it changed to a darker color for some reason. So to answer your question, you probably have about 3-4 weeks before it definitely starts to suffer. For corals in general I'd suggest having at least a 260W PC fixture, or a 216W T-5 fixture for a 55 gallon. This will be able to keep most corals spare most sps. If your looking towards having any coral out there I'd recommend 175-250W MH's or 324-432W T-5's.

07/29/2007, 10:48 PM	#1
SurfnFish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California Posts: 676	Well...It finally happened... I knew coming into this hobby it was only a matter of time before I converted from a FO to a Reef Tank. I just inherited some rock tonight that has Pulsing Xenia, and some other various polyps on it. I need to cover a few basics first. I planned on upgrading my lighting eventually, but now I have way less time. I know I need better lighting, and I understand what corals need. My question is, will this thing live under the current 36 watts I have right now in my 55 gallon? Since I have a FOWLR tank, I just used the lights that came with it. I should have new lighting within the next 10 days. Also, do I need to target feed my new coral? I have him at the highest rock in my tank right now. It's about 12 inches from the actual bulb itself. I'm not sure if this helps. Thanks in advance. Tim

07/29/2007, 10:58 PM	#3
SurfnFish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California Posts: 676	Thanks Brandon. Good to see you again. It's been awhile. __________________ 17x17x10 Shallow Cube. RapidLED Par38 with 60* optics, AC modified for fuge, CPR BakPak w/Maxi jet 1200. Clown w/ LTA, Zoas and Softies. Current Tank Info: 17x17x10 Shallow Cube

07/29/2007, 11:27 PM	#4
jer77 Phish Lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,642	Well, I kept xenia under a NO fluorescent before and it survived for about a few months. It did elongate and the hands stopped pulsing and it changed to a darker color for some reason. So to answer your question, you probably have about 3-4 weeks before it definitely starts to suffer. For corals in general I'd suggest having at least a 260W PC fixture, or a 216W T-5 fixture for a 55 gallon. This will be able to keep most corals spare most sps. If your looking towards having any coral out there I'd recommend 175-250W MH's or 324-432W T-5's. __________________ - Jonny -, 120g 5 Year Old Reef w/ SPS, BTA, Zoos & some Softies. 40g Frag Tank. 40g Sump. Super Reef Octopus XP 3000 External Cone Skimmer. 250W Radiums. TaoTronics LED. PanWorld 200PS w/SQWD

07/29/2007, 10:51 PM	#2
BrandonS Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 255	I have a 4 bulb Tek T5 fixture on my 75g. I moved my xenia from halfway up the tank to the sand. (it's on a peice of rubble rock). Within a few days each polyp's "arm" started elongating. From what I understand this is a sign it isn't receiving enough light. Not a straight answer, but you can maybe use it to guage if yours would be alright. Oh and I'm not sure if you were referring to the other misc. coral or your xenia when you asked about feeding. The xenia don't have a digestive track and are strictly filter feeders so you do not need to spot feed them.