xenia cutting issues

[sharky_steve]

Whenever I make xenia cuttings it seems that about half of them turn dark in color and quickly deteriorate. I usually cut a whole "branch" off right where it meets the main stalk. I've tried natural settlement, rubber banding, and wedging between pieces of rock for attachment, none with greater success than the other. I've also tried varying the water flow with no apparent differences either. Is this 50% success rate normal? or is there anything else I can try? I should also mention that I do mildly suppliment with iodide (half the recommended dose).

[Brock Fluharty]

You need to slice in between the plyps, not cut the polyps off. Break a piece of rock that they are on off.

[sharkdude]

50% success rate is not normal.
I get 99% percent success, with the 1% coming loose and blowing elsewhere in the tank. I use the 'toothpick' method.

check your aseptic technique. ie clean your cutting instruments and minmalize handling. wear gloves if need be.

I'm guessing secondary infections and poor attachment sucess are your problems.

also, pull your carbon out of the sump.

[Frankysreef]

pic them off with your fingernail... It works better.

[AZreefkeeper]

Sharkdude is right, you've got secondary infection going on, dip or swap your scissors or blade in Iodine before you cut. I cut about 1/2" above the base of the stalk or inbetween stalks. I hardly ever loose any to infection, they just blow off like sharkdues.

[sharky_steve]

I'll try that. The infection theory sounds about right. I picked up some seachem reef dip coral disenfectant (iodide). We'll see how that works.

[majestic sea life]

sounds like secondary infection to me.

[AZreefkeeper]

sharky_steve
get Iodine from Walgreens, its in a small bottle by the bandages. I just take a Q-tip and swap all my tools before and after use. Don't use the stuff for the aquarium trade, its diluted.

[Frankysreef]

Dont cut... pick em off with your fingernail...The rock underneath is easier to take off than the xenia itself... Once you get it started just peel them off the rock.