Heteroxenia fuscescens

HETEROXENIA

Heteroxenia corals, often referred to as xenia or pulsing xenia, have long stalks with feathery pinnate tentacles that pulse in the water column. They have 18 recognized species within their genus and are photosynthetic. Xenia corals come in a variety of sizes and colors, the most common in the hobby are generally pink/purple!

They feed through small polyps on their branches and are known to be easy to care for corals.

WATER CHEMISTRY

Heteroxenia are fairly forgiving when it comes to water chemistry. It makes it a good coral for beginners so long as they give them proper flow and light. We have found they even tend to prefer dirtier waters. While we have our preferred parameters for Alkalinity, Phosphate, and Nitrate, Heteroxenia will do far better in your system if you just focus on keeping the water chemistry stable. If your Alkalinity, Phosphate, or Nitrate is out of line, our recommendation is to get it back to your target levels as slowly as possible.

The parameters we aim for are:

It's important to understand that these are the levels that we aim for in our systems. However, that doesn't mean they are the right levels for your system. All aquariums are different and your system may naturally fall on a different balance. You're better off working with the balance your system tends towards than trying to force the same levels that we run.

FLOW

In terms of flow Heteroxenia corals will need to be kept in a low - moderate flow area. You will know you have the right flow when the colony's branches are stirring slightly, they will have a similar flow and look like goniopora.  Polyp extension is also important to look out for as if there is too much flow when there is no polyp extension and detritus builds up with too little.

LIGHTING

Heteroxenia are photosynthetic which means they require low - moderate. They tend to be happiest with moderate lighting. As with many corals, too much light can cause discoloration and receding flesh. As we’ve mentioned before, these coral can be trained for higher PAR, but if this is your wish we recommend doing it slowly as the potential for bleaching is high.

• Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-78 °F)
• Salinity: 1.026 SG, 35 ppt
• PH: 8.1-8.4
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppb
• Nitrate: 3-15ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03-0.15 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8 dKH
• Calcium: 440 ppm
• Magnesium: 1320 ppm

Temperature Match

Float the sealed bag containing the coral in your tank for 15-20 minutes. This allows the coral to gradually reach the same temperature as your aquarium, minimizing temperature-related stress.

Prepare and Dip Coral

To ensure the health and safety of your new coral, prepare a dip solution using tank water and a coral dip product, following the dip’s instructions for dosage and timing. This precautionary dip helps protect your tank by eliminating any potential hitchhikers. Keep an eye on the coral during the process to confirm it’s responding well.

Rinse in Tank Water

After the dip, rinse the coral thoroughly in a separate container filled with clean tank water. This step removes any residual dip solution, preventing it from entering your display tank and ensuring the coral is safe to be introduced.

Introduce Coral

Carefully position the coral in your tank, ideally on a rock or suitable location based on the coral’s needs. Make sure the placement allows proper flow and lighting according to the coral species. Monitor the coral for the next few hours to ensure it adjusts well.

At New Dawn Aquaculture, we take every step to ensure your marine life arrives alive and thriving!

Carefully Packed for a Safe Journey

• Livestock is hand-packed in sealed oxygen-filled bags with fresh saltwater.
• Insulated coolers with heat or ice packs keep conditions stable, regardless of weather.
• Built to handle up to 48 hours in transit.

Fast Delivery, Every Time

We ship FedEx Priority Overnight so your marine life arrives the next day, reducing stress and maximizing health.

Our Promise

Healthy, vibrant marine life delivered to your door, guaranteed. Shop with peace of mind—your aquarium deserves the best!

At New Dawn Aquaculture, we guarantee that your livestock arrives alive and healthy—no exceptions. Here's how it works:

What’s Covered

 All shipped livestock, including corals, fish, inverts, and live foods.

How It Works

1. Be present for delivery and follow our acclimation guide.
2. Report any issues within 48 hours of delivery by emailing info@ndaquaculture.ca with clear photos of the unopened livestock.

Resolution Options

We’ll offer a replacement (if available), store credit, or refund based on your preference.

Limitations

1. Issues caused by acclimation errors, improper handling, or poor water parameters are not covered.
2. Claims submitted after 48 hours are ineligible.

Your satisfaction is our priority! Contact us anytime at info@ndaquaculture.ca or 780-860-9103.

New Dawn Aquaculture – Quality Marine Life Delivered.