Would you introduce pulsing xenias and kenya trees to your forever DT ?

[Idech]

I’m new to saltwater and I’ve read that pulsing xenias and kenya trees can spread to the point of being way too much.

Right now I have 3 x pulsing xenias and 1 kenya tree in my 13.5 gallons Evo. The pulsing xenias have started spreading to the rocks. My 75 gallons display tank is currently cycling and I’m wondering if I should transfer the xenias and kenya tree when the time comes, or just leave them live a happy life in the Evo.

I don’t want my tank to be invaded with the same few corals and have little room left for variety. For those with experience, what do you recommend ?

 

[fishface NJ]

love the look of the pulsing xenias but will never add them to my tank again because they spread so easily. But you have to do what makes you happy

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

They CAN take over a tank, but only if you let them. Like a planted tank in FW, you have to keep them trimmed back or you'll end up with a messy jungle

 

[Idech]

They CAN take over a tank, but only if you let them. Like a planted tank in FW, you have to keep them trimmed back or you'll end up with a messy jungle

How do you remove them once they’ve started encrusting the rocks ?

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

There are some good methods listed on this post: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-do-i-remove-some-of-these-xenia-coral.678913/

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

Kenya trees are different, they'll break off a branch and that branch will float around until it settles in a spot and attaches. These are easier to remove, just pull out any kenya trees you don't want

 

[kittenbritches]

I have a xenia island that I'll cut back if it tries to spread beyond its rock. I personally don't like Kenya trees, so that's just a no from me in general. Haha.

If you enjoy those corals, put 'em in. If you're keeping the 13.5 up anyway, though, it could be fun to have the new tank stocked differently.

 

[Tamberav]

I would but I have no issues pruning and removing them. If you can’t imagine yourself removing them from the rocks when they spread and don’t want to do that. Then I would not add them.

Some people make their rock scapes too difficult to access and such as well.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Just take a razor blade and pop them off the rock. You could toss them or see if your lfs gives you store credit for it.

Kinda a crappy pic, but all that pink on the left is Xenia. It has since spread all over…I like the stuff though. Easy to remove when I have to make room.

 

[New&no clue]

Xenias, yes, I love their movement. Kenya's I would not. But not because they tended to spread. IMO they have some of the worst chemical warfare of softies. They can quickly decimate another colony with ease.

 

[Gtinnel]

No. I like the looks of xenia and added to my tank but luckily it hasn't hardly grew. I also added a kenya tree, which ironically I don't even like the look of, and it has spread and is a pain to keep maintained. If had to do over again there is no chance I would added either.

 

[Idech]

Kenya's I would not. But not because they tended to spread. IMO they have some of the worst chemical warfare of softies.

Really ? I’m glad you told me then. I’ll look into this before I decide. I was thinking maybe one xenia and the tree, but we’ll see.

 

[ChaosAquaculture]

nope, they spread wayyy too fast - kali

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Put them in, they're pretty easy to remove

 

[dvgyfresh]

Yes they are great , I also prune mine weekly and give to lfs for credit which gives me free corals or big discounts! Just bought a torch for 40$ Down from 100$ due to credit

 

[BanjoBandito]

Reef2Reef is like the snobby relative at Christmas that comes over and goes "oooooh.....you put a xenia in your tank, it's gonna grow eeeeeevery where and ruin it". SHUT UP. I LIKE IT. IT PULSES.

 

[Arego]

Xenia is literally the easiest thing to trim back it's ridiculous. Any softy is, this whole omg it's a pest is old. Get off your butt maintain your tank and it's not a problem.

 

[Twoddler]

This is what your tank will look like, if not trimmed, personally I like it.

 

[Arego]

Exactly. Some scissors, 5 minutes and that could be trimmed up in no time.. if you felt so inclined. Just tired of the pest argument with these softies due to laziness.

 

[Jedi1199]

I have a xenia island that I'll cut back if it tries to spread beyond its rock. I personally don't like Kenya trees, so that's just a no from me in general. Haha.

If you enjoy those corals, put 'em in. If you're keeping the 13.5 up anyway, though, it could be fun to have the new tank stocked differently.

I agree with Kit on this one... I just am not personally impressed with Kenya Trees and I have seen tanks overloaded with them... They drop bits and spread everywhere.

Xenia I have always liked and I would have again. Mine got eaten by an urchin a few weeks ago.