How to Care for Saltwater Xenia

Saltwater xenia, also known as pulsating xenia, is a type of soft coral. These corals are tan in color. They form branching polyps, which pulsate, giving them their name. Xenia grows quickly and can form large colonies. Unlike many coral species, xenia corals adapt to different water and lighting conditions and are generally easy to care for. However, these corals can sometimes be finicky, and may begin to deteriorate for no apparent reason.

Things You'll Need

  • 30-gallon aquarium or larger
  • Medium to strong aquarium lighting
  • Water testing kit
  • Hydrometer
  • Strong aquarium filter
  • Iodine testing kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a saltwater aquarium of at least 30 gallons for the xenia. Because xenia grow quickly, sprouting new stalks, and also have the capability to slowly move about their habitat, they require large aquariums. Provide more space if your specimen is growing quickly, or carefully trim pieces to keep the coral from overrunning the aquarium.

    • 2

      Place a medium- to high-output aquarium light over the xenia's aquarium. This means in an aquarium with a depth of 1 foot, a power compact light can be used to provide the minimum lighting requirement. In this scenario, the xenia should be placed near the top of the aquarium. High-output lights can be used as well. Higher output lights work well in aquariums that are deeper, and also allow you to place the xenia near the middle or bottom of the aquarium, farther from the light source.

    • 3

      Use a water testing kit to determine the pH level of the aquarium water. It should be between 8.2 and 8.5 in order for the xenia to remain healthy. Use pH additives to adjust the level if necessary.

    • 4

      Use a hydrometer to monitor the specific gravity of the water. Specific gravity correlates to the salinity level of the water. Fresh water or aquarium salt can be added to adjust the specific gravity. Xenia require a specific gravity between 1.023 and 1.025.

    • 5

      Place a thermometer in the aquarium and monitor the temperature of the water. Xenia can tolerate temperatures between 75 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit, but they do best in temperatures between 76 and 78 degrees.

    • 6

      Install an aquarium filter, such as a powerhead filtration system. This filtration system not only help keeps the aquarium clean, but creates a current. Xenia corals do best in an aquarium with a moderate to high water flow, so choose a filtration system with a high water turnover rate.

    • 7

      Use an iodine testing kit to monitor the iodine levels in the aquarium. Some corals, such as xenia, thrive when a small amount of iodine is added to the aquarium. There should only be between .03 and .06 milligrams of iodine for every liter of water in the aquarium.