Coral similar in nature to a Pulsing Xenia?

[Jim Harrison]

Is there a soft coral similar in nature to the Pulsing Xenia that isn't as pest like? Something that doesn't take over a tank but has as much or close to the same movement?

I'm still working on my stock list. I really like the Xenia, but I'm not willing to deal with its explosive growth potential.

 

[Bowlopho]

Just keep it on a seperate rock or glue to your back wall corner away from everything. When it gets to big, trim it down

 

[cmcoker]

I see people say all the time to isolate it and it's fine, but let me tell you that I had it pop up on the opposite side of the tank.

Green star polyps are easier to isolate in my experience and give you movement. The red goniopora is nice too, look for a frag from a reefer that has had it growing successfully for a while. Most goniopora is hard to keep but there is a certain red one people seem to have success with.
The euphyllia species, like frogspawn, will also give nice movement

 

[dbl]

...The euphyllia species, like frogspawn, will also give nice movement

This would have been my suggestion. Frogspawn, hammer or even a torch (just give it some room) I have found relatively easy with good movement.

 

[Jim Harrison]

I see people say all the time to isolate it and it's fine, but let me tell you that I had it pop up on the opposite side of the tank.

Green star polyps are easier to isolate in my experience and give you movement. The red goniopora is nice too, look for a frag from a reefer that has had it growing successfully for a while. Most goniopora is hard to keep but there is a certain red one people seem to have success with.
The euphyllia species, like frogspawn, will also give nice movement

Just looked up the red goniopora. I think I'm quite the fan! Also a fan of the green star. I think I'll try to put them in. Thank you!

 

[Jim Harrison]

This would have been my suggestion. Frogspawn, hammer or even a torch (just give it some room) I have found relatively easy with good movement.

I'm a fan of all three.

With a Torch, how much space do they typically need?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Gonipora are quite difficult.

And imo. Xenia are not that bad. Keep an eye on them.
Jus sayin it's a coral that moves all day long.



And everyone has a horror story about EVERYTHING .

IMO gsp is far worse.

 

[Jim Harrison]

Gonipora are quite difficult.

And imo. Xenia are not that bad. Keep an eye on them.
Jus sayin it's a coral that moves all day long.



And everyone has a horror story about EVERYTHING .

IMO gsp is far worse.

Reading up on Gonipora I might have to wait quite some time before I'm willing to take it on.

 

[Jim Harrison]

I'm a huge fan of the way that Red Gonipora looks... I might have to read all I can on it. It's on my short list of favorite corals. Pavona being another of my favorites.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I'm a huge fan of the way that Red Gonipora looks... I might have to read all I can on it. It's on my short list of favorite corals. Pavona being another of my favorites.

IMO. That's the way to do it. Find the corals you most like. And make the tank ready for them as best you can. You'll keep tuning and tweaking it. But its reefing so we always will. Lol.
But if you find a fave then see what else goes with it. I reccomend doing the same thing with fish.

 

[Jim Harrison]

IMO. That's the way to do it. Find the corals you most like. And make the tank ready for them as best you can. You'll keep tuning and tweaking it. But its reefing so we always will. Lol.
But if you find a fave then see what else goes with it. I reccomend doing the same thing with fish.

Amazingly, my favorite fish happen to be mostly utility fish! Sixline wrasse, Foxface, Orange Spot Goby, Lawnmower Blenny, maybe a Springer Damsel...

Eventually I will acquire a Green Mandarin. Gotta get those pods up in great numbers!

I'm a huge fan of Pavona Coral and Torches. I need to learn more before I pull the trigger on them.

Plus I haven't completed my tank yet. I've got all the parts aside from glass for baffles in my sump, filter sock holder and socks and a skimmer.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It's good ya have a plan. And yea learning in reefing is really a lot about shopping. Lol. "Research". Looking at coral and tanks.

Good luck on the build.

 

[Zackford4]

Just keep it on a seperate rock or glue to your back wall corner away from everything. When it gets to big, trim it down

This is not true. It can pop up anywhere in the tank

 

[p@blo]

Here is none invasive xenia. The Giant Bali Pom Pom grows in a single stalk without taking over.

 

[Exotic Coral Collection]

I have had Xenia on a separate rock for almost 2 years. Stays put and has not spread.

 

[McFly]

My fish nip my Xenia and spread it around my tank.

 

[John3]

Pipe organ corals have a very similar look minus the pulsing. If you powerhead can pulse you will get a pleasing look from these corals.