Xenia Coral 1

Xenia coral is one of those “love it or hate it” soft corals in the reef hobby, but there’s no denying how captivating its pulsing movement can be. Xenia Coral 1 is a great choice for newer reef keepers who want motion, fast growth, and a forgiving coral that doesn’t demand ultra-precise parameters. With the right placement and a bit of planning, it can become a lively centerpiece instead of an overgrown headache.

Care Requirements for Xenia Coral 1

Xenia is considered a hardy soft coral, but it still rewards good husbandry. This coral grows quickly, so think ahead about where you place it in your reef.

Lighting & Flow

While Xenia can adapt to a range of conditions, it does best under moderate reef lighting and gentle, indirect flow.

  • Lighting: Moderate PAR (around 75–150). Too much light can cause it to shrink or bleach.
  • Flow: Low to moderate, with a swaying motion rather than a blast. Strong, direct flow often stops the pulsing action.

If you’re still dialing in your lighting, you may find our Soft Coral Lighting Guide helpful for balancing intensity and photoperiod.

Water Parameters

Xenia Coral 1 can tolerate slightly “dirtier” water than many SPS corals, but it still prefers stability:

  • Temperature: 76–79°F (24–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
  • Nitrate: 5–20 ppm
  • Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm

Tip: If your Xenia suddenly melts or stops pulsing, check alkalinity and temperature first. Rapid swings are a common cause of decline.

Managing Growth & Placement

The most important decision with Xenia Coral 1 is where to put it. This coral can spread quickly via runners and small stalks, and many hobbyists underestimate how fast it can cover rockwork.

Smart Placement Strategies

  • Island rock: Place Xenia on its own rock island in the sand, away from your main structure. This makes it easier to control spread.
  • Glass or back wall: Some reefers encourage it to grow on the overflow or back glass for a moving “living wallpaper” effect.
  • Keep distance: Avoid placing it right next to slower-growing corals like acans, zoas, or LPS that can be overrun.

For more layout ideas, see our guide on Aquascaping for Soft Corals, which covers rock structures that help with coral zoning and long-term planning.

Feeding & Long-Term Maintenance

Xenia primarily relies on its zooxanthellae for energy, so direct feeding is not required. However, it benefits from a nutrient-rich environment:

  • Don’t run the tank too “sterile” — ultra-low nutrients can cause it to shrink.
  • Occasional broadcast feeding of fine coral foods can support overall tank health.
  • Regular pruning with scissors or a razor helps keep colonies contained; remove entire stalks from the base.

If you’re planning a mixed reef and want more motion corals, our Beginner Soft Corals article pairs Xenia with other easy options like leathers and mushrooms.

Is Xenia Coral 1 Right for Your Reef?

Xenia Coral 1 is ideal if you enjoy active, pulsing movement and don’t mind a coral with a mind of its own. It’s forgiving of minor mistakes, grows rapidly, and adds instant life to newer tanks. Just be sure to:

  • Plan an isolated or controlled placement from day one.
  • Maintain stable, moderate reef parameters.
  • Prune regularly to protect slower neighbors.

With a bit of forethought, Xenia can be a stunning, kinetic feature rather than a takeover artist. For many reef keepers, that rhythmic pulsing becomes one of the most relaxing and mesmerizing sights in the entire aquarium.