Why has the center of my pulsing xenia turned brown ?

[Idech]

I just noticed it today, I don’t know how long it’s been going on. My two other pulsing xenias are fine. What is happening ? Is this necrosis ?

It looks fine otherwise, so it’s puzzling.

 

[blaxsun]

Honestly don't know. Maybe something was perched there for a while? Just keep a loose eye on it.

 

[Idech]

Honestly don't know. Maybe something was perched there for a while? Just keep a loose eye on it.

It had closed up today, just before I saw this. I thought maybe a snail was on it. So you might be right.

 

[Idech]

Update : I don’t think it’s a snail. There is something encrusting the xenia’s base. The other xenia on top has it too.

It’s more visible here. Same coral as above :

Coral on top :

Anyone ?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Either too much light, expelling waste or both. Moderate light and water flow is ideal for Xenia

 

[Idech]

Either too much light, expelling waste or both. Moderate light and water flow is ideal for Xenia

They’re in my Evo 13.5 with the original light. Before I had an AI 16 HD on. I made the change about 2 weeks ago. The AI has mostly blues, and the Fluval, mostly whites.

So I‘ve switched on the blues, maybe it will help.

The powerhead was changed also. I’l try to aim it more at the surface so there is less flow.

 

[MaxTremors]

It looks like algae growing on the base/mat of the Xenia. You can try blowing it off with a turkey baster, but if you leave it it usually goes away on its own.

 

[JGT]

Agree looks like some hair algae. Take it out, scrub it with toothbrush, rinse and return to tank.

 

[Idech]

It looks like algae growing on the base/mat of the Xenia. You can try blowing it off with a turkey baster, but if you leave it it usually goes away on its own.

Oh, that’s good to hear, thanks !

Agree looks like some hair algae. Take it out, scrub it with toothbrush, rinse and return to tank.

Really, that simple ? I’ll try that.

 

[Idech]

Update : I brushed the brown stuff with a tooth brush. Some came off but I didn’t want to damage the coral so I couldn’t take it all out.

Fast forward 3 weeks : the brown parts are almost gone. The xenia is splitting and spreading, leaving frag to incrust on the rock. It seems this browning is part of the spreading process.

I’ll post a picture tomorrow.

 

[Uncle99]

Xenia…..virtually indestructible!

 

[Dan_P]

Update : I don’t think it’s a snail. There is something encrusting the xenia’s base. The other xenia on top has it too.

It’s more visible here. Same coral as above :

Coral on top :

Anyone ?

Might be cyanobacteria. There seems to be more of it growing below and to the left of the plug visible in the bottom picture.

 

[Idech]

Might be cyanobacteria. There seems to be more of it growing below and to the left of the plug visible in the bottom picture.

It’s slowly disappearing now. I’ll post a picture tomorrow and you can tell me if you think it’s cyano. I’ve never had it so I wouldn’t recognize it.

 

[Idech]

Here are pictures from this morning. Note the pink/violet on the sand is a reflection from the leds.