BigAl: I bit the bullet and 2 "Blues" on the way!

[Koda2007]

I have a reef with cespitularia, efflatounaria, bali and white pom pom and elongata I have never dosed Iodine. I do weekly 10 - 15% water changes.
All xenias growing well with elongata obviouly the fastest, then pom pom, cepitularia and efflatounaria.
Can I ask how much you pay for cespitualria in the US. Here in the UK a small frag 2 inches will cost £25 ( roughly $50 ). I was fortunate and got a large coral for £30 ( $60 ) from an LFS because they did not know what it was. It was labelled as a blue/pink softy. I have now got 10 frags growng of which 4 are going to become mother colonies.

[panmanmatt]

Usually in the $100 range for a 1 inch frag.

[Koda2007]

wowwwwwwwww, I am bringing a hundred frags over and retiring, might have to make it 10,000 frags I need to pay for my hobby

[Techno-Vicki]

I bought 2 and feel I was given a good size on both (more than one stalk and one of them was closer to 3 inches than the typical 1 inch. I have a pic of my new blue; however, they are not showing the blue at this time. According to the article in Reefkeeping by Anthony Calfo, they do not show their color if stressed. Here is the information on the:

"For many discriminating reef aquarists, specimens of Cespitularia have been some of the most sought after corals of any kind. The reasons for their allure are many, and among Xeniids they have some of the best of all desirable attributes in the family (re: rarity, color, visage). They have a "look" (morphology) that is distinguished and unique. In gross form they resemble stalked Xenia with a size and structure inclined to grow rather larger than Xenia. To some they are also reminiscent of the zooxanthellate Nephtheid "Tree corals." Their polyps are not restricted to the cap/crown like Xenia, however, but also grow from the stalks of the colony, although these polyps tend to be limited, as a specimen matures, to the upper portions of the colony. Perhaps the most exciting thing about Cespitularia is their remarkable visage. I dare not even say "color," because their overall look is one of translucent and oft-stunning, iridescent quality - making quite an impression on aquarists! New imports and stressed individuals will lack bright color or any significant opalescent quality, but once established under quality lamps or natural sunlight, they take on a remarkable appearance. Much of the excitement is due to the tiny calcareous sclerites, which appear to reflect light and make the coral sparkle or glitter. Colors range from subtle tan and peach hues with green tinged polyps to stellar, solid blue and green colonies. Inspecting Cespitularia in the aquarium at night with a flashlight reveals a metallic silver appearance. Alas, photographs capture very little of the ethereal qualities of these corals and aquarists must see them in the flesh to truly appreciate them. The few fragments that enter the aquarium trade have been cited as hailing from Indonesia or East Africa. The natural range of this genus is very wide, though, throughout the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, with specimens recorded in both clear and turbid waters. They are further observed to favor shallow and wave-protected environments. In aquaria, provide them with bright light and moderate, random turbulent or surging water flow… avoid laminar water motion. "

[Jason25]

Very nice Vicki.

[Techno-Vicki]

Thank you Jason. Allen, you asked, here they are

[vdituri]

That pic looks phenomenal!
Who carrys them in Cali?

If they do take off for you, put me on the list.
Those are amazing looking!

Best of luck with those Vicki. Watch the salinity...

[Techno-Vicki]

Thanks Victor! Yes, Jack please go check the salinity in the prop tank while I am at work! I know you are reading this.

You are on the list I just need some time to let them take off first.

[BigAl07]

Vicki has got the "Blues" but fortunately it's the GOOD Blues

Looks GREAT Vicki! Can't wait to track their growth Lots of potential there !


How long did it take them to relax and quit pouting after shipment and all?

[bluespotjawfish]

Very nice additions Vicki!

I resently lowered my salinity to 1.023 but did it gradually and there was no affect on my pom pom xenia. So I think they do handle the lower salinity (or higher) but don't like changes. I also dose iodine in between my water changes because my tests always show very low. I really don't need to test though because my poms don't pulse as much when it is low.

[lcstorc]

Beautiful cpral. I can't wait till it takes off. Please keep us updated with pics.

[AQTCJAK]

it only took a few days for them to come around know they have at least doubled in size & are doing great

[BigAl07]

SWEET! That's what I like to hear!!

[flricordia]

One of the tanks I take care of has lots and lots of pulsing redsea xenia and it seems that about every 4 months it looks to die-off, all of it. It becomes smaller and smaller and jsut when you think it is about to dissapear it comes back in full, spreads and you think it is about to overtake everything else. Has done this for the past 2 years.

[BigAl07]

Vicki how's dem "Blues" doing? I was sort of talking about them tonight at our local Reef Club....