Killed my Xenia?

Blade_Runner · 02-27-2006, 09:08 AM

Did the first water change on the 300 yesterday. When I got upstairs I noticed that the Xenia was looking shrivelled up. This morning it's stalk is about 1/2 it's normal size with some dark gray lines and all the heads are looking dead. WTF? Nothing else seems to have suffered. I'd got a couple sps looking a little closed, but all the clams, leathers and zoos are happy.

All of the water parameters are right on the money, if anything the CA is a little high at 475 (If I believe the test.). The only thing I can come up with is during the initial mix, the temp dropped to 74 and the salinity settled in at 33ppt. The temp was back up to 77 and the salinity was back to it's normal 35 within 2 hours.

I guess my question is can the Xenia come back from that much shock or should I pitch it and replace it?

On the plus side, I now have my water change "system" down. I have a drain rigged in the sump that drops into the storm sump of my basement. The 2 big chambers feed into it. With a turn of a valve, I can now drain close to 100 gal. I have my 100 gal rubbermaid holding tank rigged to drain directly into the sump with a turn of another valve. Once the salt is mixed, changing water should take 15-25 minutes without ever having to touch a hose or pump. All I need to do is add salt to the holding tank. This one took a little longer as I drilled 5 more holes between the 2 big chambers for better flow and draining and messed with the skimmer. Oh, I'm also adding a heater to the holding tank just in case it was a temp driven issue.

I'm really confused. This should have been easy.

:mad:

telman2010 · 02-27-2006, 10:29 AM

I have killed xenia during a water change. After much debate it was decided that the temp change was the culprit. I dropped mine from about 80 down to 70 during the water change. I lost about half my xenia crop. On the plus side, about half did come back but it took awhile. I have also killed some when my calcium levels got to high. Nowadays I'm alot more careful when I'm changing water. I keep the temps pretty close to the same and I've not had any trouble since.

Bruce · 02-27-2006, 11:15 AM

i would wait a bit...xenia are tough little buggers i know what you are talking about the shriveling up and after a while they will come back

fletch · 02-27-2006, 11:45 AM

HI Blade, I would give the Xenia some more time, as Bruce said they are tough little buggers. I have to agree with the temp change being the culprit. But if it don't make it just give me a holler, The offer on the Xenia still stands.

John

coral reefer · 02-27-2006, 01:02 PM

Xenia, is like a weed. It may look as if it is dying, however, even if there is a small piece on a rock it can make a full rebound.

Powderbluetang · 02-27-2006, 02:06 PM

I have xenia that shrivel up for no reason, but came back. If the xenia is not melting I would just leave it, it will come back. If it starts falling apart and melting it's a goner!

Blade_Runner · 02-27-2006, 03:09 PM

Thanks guys, I think I'll wait till it starts sliming before doing anything drastic.

My gut told me it was the temp change too. I'll bet the new water was only 70 when it first hit the tank. The xenia are in a high flow area and probably felt it more than others.

John, thanks again. With xenia readily available in the area for cheap, I'd hate to put you out.

fletch · 02-27-2006, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade_Runner

John, thanks again. With xenia readily available in the area for cheap, I'd hate to put you out.

No Problem

Just let me know ............... John

Blade_Runner · 02-27-2006, 07:47 PM

Man, I got home and checked it out. I can't believe how small it is. Very sad. I hope it recovers, but have my doubts.

On the bright side it reminds me of Seinfeld. Shrinkage!

Yes I have a sick mind.

jonathan · 02-28-2006, 12:55 AM

you might want to to check your ph. i've had problems in the past due to ph fluctuations which i found out xenia is very susceptible to.