Rapidly Declining Xenia

[EvilTwin]

For some reason, my xenia seems to keep declining in health. I know you all said that some people can keep this and some can't. I guess maybe I can't. Yesterday, a large chunk with two main stalks separated from the rock it was attached to and floated to the bottom. It is still very retacted as the lights aren't on yet but they seem to keep pulsing, even as small as they are. Any ideas? I'd hate to have to just pitch it in the trash. I suppose I could try running a toothpick through the base and rubberbanding it to a rock, but I wonder if anything will really help at this point.

[FragOutpost]

What is your ph and alkalinity at?

[EvilTwin]

PH is 8.2. Alk is 12.8 dkh

[FragOutpost]

Your ph is right on but your alk seems high. Do you have issues maintaining calcium levels above 350-400 with your alk that high? I would try slowly bringing your alk down to around 9-10 and see if helps the xenia any. What are you dosing for calcium and alk?

[EvilTwin]

My calcium level is 400, and I have very little trouble keeping it there. I add 1 tablespoon of Reef Advantage calcium to each gallon of makeup water. How do you recommend I bring alk down?

[FragOutpost]

What are you using to maintain alkalinity?
Alkalinity should slowly decrease on it's own without the addition of supplements.

[EvilTwin]

The Seachem Reef Advantage calcium also contains a balanced amount of magnesium and strontium that helps maintain calcium without impacting alkalinity, so they say. Maybe I should back off the dosing for a bit till things come down?

[FragOutpost]

The Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium should not raise your alkalinity. So you are not adding any alkalinity supplements and your alk stays above 12? What kind of salt mix are you using? You have a DSB right? I would continue using the Reef Advantage Calcium to maintain calcium around 400.

[EvilTwin]

Instant Ocean salt. Sand bed is 3 inches deep

[FragOutpost]

I use IO salt and after aerating and mixing with a powerhead for a couple of days the alk of freshly mixed IO saltwater measures about 10-11.

I have trouble maintaining the alk in my tank between 8-9 and I add about 2 teaspoons of Seachem Reef Builder (carbonate alkalinity) daily.

I'm just trying to figure out what is causing your alk to be so high since you are not adding any alk supplements.

[EvilTwin]

I suppose I'll have to check my tap water. I use a DI unit for my new water so I always assume that it gets everything out.

[FragOutpost]

How is the xenia doing now?

[EvilTwin]

Not much better, I'm afraid. But not deat yet.I got the two separated stalks off the bottom and rubberbanded them to a small rock. They still extend each day, so they are still living. I'm crossing my fingers.