How to get rid of Zenia

blcard · 12/15/2009, 06:32 PM

I had a couple small pcs for a very long time, now with the new setup its starting to spread like mad....

Other then ripping apart the rock and scraping it off...is there any way to get rid of it or at least prevent it from spreading further????

Thanks

reefgems · 12/15/2009, 07:48 PM

frag it for fellow reefers to enjoy!!!

zachfishman · 12/16/2009, 08:22 AM

I've found that xenia tend to climb, leaving the rock they're on when encountering another, higher surface. You could try placing lots of rubble on them and waiting for the colonies to climb onto those rocks. Or if you don't have any major grazers, get some macro algae to grow all over and between them.

Some colonies can actually be plucked off their rock with minimal effort (others not so much). Kind of hit and miss.

frewd · 12/16/2009, 04:25 PM

rub kalk on to them or make a really thick past for them

longboarder324 · 12/16/2009, 05:24 PM

Just finished removing a whole bunch about an hour ago. Here's my technique: Perform a partial water change and work over the bucket containing removed water. Remove the LR that has xenia from the aquarium. You don't want to contaminate the water with ammonia or tiny pieces of xenia that will eventually regenerate in your tank. Next, get a single sided razor blade and do the following. Hold the LR over the bucket so that the xenia hang down. They'll begin to release a slime. With the razor try to get beneath the base of the xenia and begin peeling it off. Use the sharp part of the blade to get under the base initially then use the side to continue peeling. Do not slice xenia off. If you leave any trace of them, they'll come right back. Once you've peeled most of it, gravity will help the xenia peel off smoothly. Takes a little practice but you'll get the hang of it. Dip your LR in the water every so often if it has any other attached corals. Good luck.

12/15/2009, 06:32 PM	#1
blcard Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 147	How to get rid of Zenia I had a couple small pcs for a very long time, now with the new setup its starting to spread like mad.... Other then ripping apart the rock and scraping it off...is there any way to get rid of it or at least prevent it from spreading further???? Thanks

12/16/2009, 08:22 AM	#3
zachfishman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 3,577	I've found that xenia tend to climb, leaving the rock they're on when encountering another, higher surface. You could try placing lots of rubble on them and waiting for the colonies to climb onto those rocks. Or if you don't have any major grazers, get some macro algae to grow all over and between them. Some colonies can actually be plucked off their rock with minimal effort (others not so much). Kind of hit and miss. __________________ Patience is a reefer's best tool. Secret Xenia lover. M.S. Marine Biology Staff - Marine Discovery Center, St. Petersburg FL Tampa Bay Reef Club BOD 2018 Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana

12/15/2009, 07:48 PM	#2
reefgems Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: WI NY Posts: 156	frag it for fellow reefers to enjoy!!!

12/16/2009, 04:25 PM	#4
frewd Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 57	rub kalk on to them or make a really thick past for them

12/16/2009, 05:24 PM	#5
longboarder324 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: hialeah Posts: 231	Just finished removing a whole bunch about an hour ago. Here's my technique: Perform a partial water change and work over the bucket containing removed water. Remove the LR that has xenia from the aquarium. You don't want to contaminate the water with ammonia or tiny pieces of xenia that will eventually regenerate in your tank. Next, get a single sided razor blade and do the following. Hold the LR over the bucket so that the xenia hang down. They'll begin to release a slime. With the razor try to get beneath the base of the xenia and begin peeling it off. Use the sharp part of the blade to get under the base initially then use the side to continue peeling. Do not slice xenia off. If you leave any trace of them, they'll come right back. Once you've peeled most of it, gravity will help the xenia peel off smoothly. Takes a little practice but you'll get the hang of it. Dip your LR in the water every so often if it has any other attached corals. Good luck.