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View Full Version : Rapidly Declining Xenia


EvilTwin
04-02-2006, 07:26 AM
For some reason, my xenia seems to keep declining in health. I know you all said that some people can keep this and some can't. I guess maybe I can't. Yesterday, a large chunk with two main stalks separated from the rock it was attached to and floated to the bottom. It is still very retacted as the lights aren't on yet but they seem to keep pulsing, even as small as they are. Any ideas? I'd hate to have to just pitch it in the trash. I suppose I could try running a toothpick through the base and rubberbanding it to a rock, but I wonder if anything will really help at this point.

FragOutpost
04-02-2006, 12:16 PM
What is your ph and alkalinity at?

EvilTwin
04-02-2006, 01:10 PM
PH is 8.2. Alk is 12.8 dkh

FragOutpost
04-02-2006, 01:48 PM
Your ph is right on but your alk seems high. Do you have issues maintaining calcium levels above 350-400 with your alk that high? I would try slowly bringing your alk down to around 9-10 and see if helps the xenia any. What are you dosing for calcium and alk?

EvilTwin
04-02-2006, 06:46 PM
My calcium level is 400, and I have very little trouble keeping it there. I add 1 tablespoon of Reef Advantage calcium to each gallon of makeup water. How do you recommend I bring alk down?

FragOutpost
04-02-2006, 08:18 PM
What are you using to maintain alkalinity?
Alkalinity should slowly decrease on it's own without the addition of supplements.

EvilTwin
04-02-2006, 09:11 PM
The Seachem Reef Advantage calcium also contains a balanced amount of magnesium and strontium that helps maintain calcium without impacting alkalinity, so they say. Maybe I should back off the dosing for a bit till things come down?

FragOutpost
04-03-2006, 09:57 AM
The Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium should not raise your alkalinity. So you are not adding any alkalinity supplements and your alk stays above 12? What kind of salt mix are you using? You have a DSB right? I would continue using the Reef Advantage Calcium to maintain calcium around 400.

EvilTwin
04-03-2006, 11:02 AM
Instant Ocean salt. Sand bed is 3 inches deep

FragOutpost
04-03-2006, 12:15 PM
I use IO salt and after aerating and mixing with a powerhead for a couple of days the alk of freshly mixed IO saltwater measures about 10-11.

I have trouble maintaining the alk in my tank between 8-9 and I add about 2 teaspoons of Seachem Reef Builder (carbonate alkalinity) daily.

I'm just trying to figure out what is causing your alk to be so high since you are not adding any alk supplements.

EvilTwin
04-03-2006, 07:54 PM
I suppose I'll have to check my tap water. I use a DI unit for my new water so I always assume that it gets everything out.

FragOutpost
04-04-2006, 06:06 PM
How is the xenia doing now?

EvilTwin
04-04-2006, 07:24 PM
Not much better, I'm afraid. But not deat yet.I got the two separated stalks off the bottom and rubberbanded them to a small rock. They still extend each day, so they are still living. I'm crossing my fingers.