Optimal lighting to grow xenia?

tsharp90 · 11/03/2010, 04:05 AM

I want to start trying to propagate some xenias. How much of what kind of lighting is recommended for optimal growth? I will be placing a 100G(approx 4 ft long) stock tank next to an east by southeast facing window(4-5ft wide 7-8 ft tall). The corals will be placed on egg crate near the surface of the water. How much supplemental lighting do you think will be required?
Please let me know what you think.

Thank you in advance! (=

allsps40 · 11/03/2010, 01:28 PM

I grew xenia like crazy under 150 watt Coralife 14ks. For me it seemed to like the whiter 14k bulbs better than Phoenix 14k or 20ks. Have good flow a small skimmer or no skimmer, a few fish and dose iodine to increase growth rate. Keep alk and ph high also, this keeps the xenia pulsing.

tsharp90 · 11/04/2010, 04:04 AM

Do you think enough light will come through the window for the xenia to grow quickly? I will probably have to set up my system and buy one xenia to test out the window. I don't want to spend hundreds of $ on extra light if i don't have to.
Also, how much flow is enough? I was planning on doing most of the flow through a closed loop manifold type thing but I am not sure how big of a pump I will want.

Thanks!

kameleon23 · 11/04/2010, 08:35 AM

I use 10K 250w Halides and medium flow....beware this stuff can absolutely take over! I used to wish my xenia would grow....now i just want to contain it!

tkeracer619 · 11/04/2010, 08:38 AM

I would try to find a different coral to propagate. Like some nice zoanthids.

Xenia is one of those things that grows easy in dirty water and is a great learning device but has little worth when all said and done.

mike_cmu04 · 11/04/2010, 11:45 AM

I think that it grows crazy under strong lighting t-5, mh or led. I have had it under everything and grew the same

allsps40 · 11/04/2010, 12:25 PM

No you wont get enough light from a window, you need a light. Like I said get a 150 HQI will will grow any softies like crazy. I also agree in propagating more than just xenia its not worth much. Look into kenia trees, leathers, zoas, mushrooms and lps. I would like to prop just to be able to reinvest any money made on selling back into the prop and my tank. Money goes to the health of my corals and fish that way. Not going to get rich growing corals any ways.

11/03/2010, 04:05 AM	#1
tsharp90 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 33	Optimal lighting to grow xenia? I want to start trying to propagate some xenias. How much of what kind of lighting is recommended for optimal growth? I will be placing a 100G(approx 4 ft long) stock tank next to an east by southeast facing window(4-5ft wide 7-8 ft tall). The corals will be placed on egg crate near the surface of the water. How much supplemental lighting do you think will be required? Please let me know what you think. Thank you in advance! (=

11/04/2010, 08:38 AM	#5
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I would try to find a different coral to propagate. Like some nice zoanthids. Xenia is one of those things that grows easy in dirty water and is a great learning device but has little worth when all said and done. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

11/04/2010, 11:45 AM	#6
mike_cmu04 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Shepherd, Mi Posts: 2,348	I think that it grows crazy under strong lighting t-5, mh or led. I have had it under everything and grew the same __________________ 92 Gallon corner tank, 2-radion gen 2 led lights, 2 mp40's Current Tank Info: 92 Gallon Corner Tank

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11/03/2010, 01:28 PM	#2
allsps40 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 4,627	I grew xenia like crazy under 150 watt Coralife 14ks. For me it seemed to like the whiter 14k bulbs better than Phoenix 14k or 20ks. Have good flow a small skimmer or no skimmer, a few fish and dose iodine to increase growth rate. Keep alk and ph high also, this keeps the xenia pulsing.

11/04/2010, 04:04 AM	#3
tsharp90 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 33	Do you think enough light will come through the window for the xenia to grow quickly? I will probably have to set up my system and buy one xenia to test out the window. I don't want to spend hundreds of $ on extra light if i don't have to. Also, how much flow is enough? I was planning on doing most of the flow through a closed loop manifold type thing but I am not sure how big of a pump I will want. Thanks!

11/04/2010, 08:35 AM	#4
kameleon23 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 139	I use 10K 250w Halides and medium flow....beware this stuff can absolutely take over! I used to wish my xenia would grow....now i just want to contain it!

11/04/2010, 12:25 PM	#7
allsps40 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 4,627	No you wont get enough light from a window, you need a light. Like I said get a 150 HQI will will grow any softies like crazy. I also agree in propagating more than just xenia its not worth much. Look into kenia trees, leathers, zoas, mushrooms and lps. I would like to prop just to be able to reinvest any money made on selling back into the prop and my tank. Money goes to the health of my corals and fish that way. Not going to get rich growing corals any ways.