Xenia closed up

Xolsiion · 02/09/2009, 04:39 PM

I have pumping xenia that I added about 6 weeks ago. It took a couple days to totally stretch out, and about 4 weeks before it started its 'pumping' action.

So now, 2 weeks later it suddenly didn't open up today. its stretched out more than it does at night when it kinda scrunches up and the stalks get much fatter.

I tested all my parameters yesterday and everything was good (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, ph, alkalinity, calcium, phosphates). I did 20% water change yesterday after my tests and the xenia looked ok after that as well.

So - is it normal for it to stretch some and not have its 'hands' open every once in awhile?

MileHighFish · 02/09/2009, 04:43 PM

they do that from time to time. . They stretch, then clump up and then look great.. I wouldnt worry.

Xolsiion · 02/09/2009, 06:44 PM

I was hoping I'd hear that

Anyone else seen the same behavior?

Stanley-Reefer · 02/09/2009, 07:56 PM

fish picking at them?

They will go down like that if your algae growth is high and/or your iodine level falls.

Xolsiion · 02/09/2009, 08:51 PM

I don't think I have high algae growth - and I only have a sixline wrasse in the tank - never seen it take a swipe at any coral.

No idea about the iodine - would it be an abrupt change? This is literally healthy one day and acting weird the next - there wasn't any buildup or anything...

SaltyDr · 02/09/2009, 09:16 PM

Whenever they get irritated they will scrunch up. When a crab goes over mine it will happen. They also seem to do it periodically for unknown reasons. After an hour or two they are open again pumping.

singold · 02/09/2009, 10:31 PM

Good Flow, Good Light, Iodine via water changes or sporatic supplementation.

02/09/2009, 04:39 PM	#1
Xolsiion Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 195	Xenia closed up I have pumping xenia that I added about 6 weeks ago. It took a couple days to totally stretch out, and about 4 weeks before it started its 'pumping' action. So now, 2 weeks later it suddenly didn't open up today. its stretched out more than it does at night when it kinda scrunches up and the stalks get much fatter. I tested all my parameters yesterday and everything was good (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, ph, alkalinity, calcium, phosphates). I did 20% water change yesterday after my tests and the xenia looked ok after that as well. So - is it normal for it to stretch some and not have its 'hands' open every once in awhile? __________________ A mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it. --Rabindranath Tagore Current Tank Info: 28G Bowfront, 48W T5 10,000K/Actinic: Softies, Duncan, Frogspawn, False Percula \|30G, 24 3W LEDs Cool White/Royal Blue, Softies, Yellow-Tail Damsel

02/09/2009, 04:43 PM	#2
MileHighFish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NM. Posts: 1,722	they do that from time to time. . They stretch, then clump up and then look great.. I wouldnt worry. __________________ See "Red House" for pics!! I'm sick of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're goin', and hook up with them later. Mitch Hedberg Current Tank Info: Reef tank, 100 gal Lee Mar polished.. 60 sump.. 800 watts mh 20k radium..Ran on "Taiwan HQI Ballast" 330 watt VHO.. 48 watt compacts (dawn/dusk).. sps/lps tank..

02/09/2009, 06:44 PM	#3
Xolsiion Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 195	I was hoping I'd hear that Anyone else seen the same behavior? __________________ A mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it. --Rabindranath Tagore Current Tank Info: 28G Bowfront, 48W T5 10,000K/Actinic: Softies, Duncan, Frogspawn, False Percula \|30G, 24 3W LEDs Cool White/Royal Blue, Softies, Yellow-Tail Damsel

02/09/2009, 08:51 PM	#5
Xolsiion Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 195	I don't think I have high algae growth - and I only have a sixline wrasse in the tank - never seen it take a swipe at any coral. No idea about the iodine - would it be an abrupt change? This is literally healthy one day and acting weird the next - there wasn't any buildup or anything... __________________ A mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it. --Rabindranath Tagore Current Tank Info: 28G Bowfront, 48W T5 10,000K/Actinic: Softies, Duncan, Frogspawn, False Percula \|30G, 24 3W LEDs Cool White/Royal Blue, Softies, Yellow-Tail Damsel

02/09/2009, 10:31 PM	#7
singold Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lake Saint Louis, Missouri Posts: 1,827	Good Flow, Good Light, Iodine via water changes or sporatic supplementation. __________________ "If there is no wind.....row." Current Tank Info: 75gal Reef w/29gal Refugium

02/09/2009, 07:56 PM	#4
Stanley-Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stanley, NC Posts: 1,933	fish picking at them? They will go down like that if your algae growth is high and/or your iodine level falls.

02/09/2009, 09:16 PM	#6
SaltyDr Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 1,191	Whenever they get irritated they will scrunch up. When a crab goes over mine it will happen. They also seem to do it periodically for unknown reasons. After an hour or two they are open again pumping.