Pulsing xenia reef compatibility check
Xenia sp.
Pulsing xenia (Xenia sp.) is a beginner-level soft coral that needs at least 10 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; can spread aggressively. Plan moderate light and moderate flow. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Iconic beginner soft coral, best isolated if the keeper does not want it everywhere.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 10+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 10 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Can spread aggressively.
Compatibility warnings
- Can spread aggressively.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 10 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Placement should be validated against measured PAR, turbulent flow, allelopathy/stinging distance, and future colony growth.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 10 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Varied
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 6 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Moderate
- Light
- Moderate
- Bioload
- 0.2
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Green star polyps
Same 10-gallon floor.
- Kenya tree coral
Same 10-gallon floor, low light.
- Mushroom coral
Same 10-gallon floor, low light.
- Ricordea mushroom
Same 10-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- Red Sea ReefLED 90
Lists about 220 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- Orphek Atlantik iCon Compact
Lists about 250 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- Kessil A360X Controllable LED Tuna Blue
Lists about 280 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does pulsing xenia need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 10 gallons, based on an adult size of about 6 inches, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is pulsing xenia reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Can spread aggressively.
Is pulsing xenia good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care.
How much light and flow does pulsing xenia need?
ReefCrafter lists a moderate light need and moderate flow. In planner terms that starts around 100 PAR.