Xenia

[Brian L]

Hey everyone.

I've had Xenia growing and doing well in my 75G. The tank has been running for 6 months and now I'm chasing the Ca/alk/pH. I dose Kalk and a home-made buffer of baking/washing soda. My Xenia has recently turned brownish, wilted, and is flailing. Is there a particular requirement that I'm mssing? It could be chemistry or lighting, I'm thinking. I use 4X 55W PC's but two actinics are out due to a blown ballast. I have been trying to find a Canadian supplier for ballasts and endcaps. I originally set the tank up while living in the US.

Any thoughts on saving my Xenia?

[ian cooper]

Have you tried pruning the xenia back every once in awhile? IME, xenia will eventually fail if left to grow too much and too densly. It needs to be harvested occasionally.

[Brian L]

Wish I could! There are only two stalks that have grown more vertically than the ones I've seen. It did split at first; then they moved around and found a good spot to grow; untill a week ago. Thanks

[ajx22]

BrianL,

What do you need for the ballast/endcaps? We are the Canadian supplier for HelloLights.com - and have access to nearly everything for PC's.

Drop me a PM or an e-mail letting me know your needs (bulb pin configuration, etc.) - and I can let you know what we can do to help.

You can also take a look at the HelloLights offerings here:
http://aquariumpros.ca/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=A&Category_Code=PRK

and

http://www.hellolights.com/comfluorbala.html

Anything that we don't have listed on our site is still available...I am just working to get all items listed. Just send me a request for pricing on the products you are interested in.

Xenia can be strange like that...for what seems like no reason. I have a tank FULL of healthy Xenia...then in a matter of a few days...numerous clumps just wilted and died.

Strangely enough...a few weeks later, I started to see new little sprouts of Xenia growing in completely new areas!

[Chrismo]

One of the lights in my 65g stopped coming on and my xenia stopped pumping and turned bluish... Fixed the light and the xenia were back to normal after a few days.

chris

[Brian L]

Thanks everyone,

Xenia is hanging in after a few good shots of kalk; but the lighing really needs an upgrade. It's not like I've not tried; I ordered endcaps and bulbs becaue the original's melted from creep. The equipment was from AHSupply whom I've had good service from.

But NOW is the time. I need to refurbish with a new ballast and hopefully utilize the endcaps I bought on line since moving the tank; they did not work.

BTW, The bulbs are straight pin 55W PC's. I'm willing to buy the wiring, ballast, and caps if necessary. I need diagrams for the wiring also. I plan to relocte the ballast outside of the tank.

Sorry to use the forum for business; but I've just been shoveling too much to bother with mail.

[ajx22]

Originally posted by Brian L
But NOW is the time. I need to refurbish with a new ballast and hopefully utilize the endcaps I bought on line since moving the tank; they did not work.

BTW, The bulbs are straight pin 55W PC's. I'm willing to buy the wiring, ballast, and caps if necessary. I need diagrams for the wiring also. I plan to relocte the ballast outside of the tank.

Sorry to use the forum for business; but I've just been shoveling too much to bother with mail.

Brian,

Check out the pics below, as it will show that it will provide you with everything that you need to set-up the system again. The wiring is as simple as you can get - Plug it in!!! The cords are also 8' long to make for easy installation. This unit is only $139.99 - and includes everything but the bulbs and the screws to mount the ballast! It is available for either square pin or straight pin bulbs.

Here is the 2x55Watt PC ballast kit that is offered from HelloLights. I am using this same ballast for my refugium lighting - except I ordered the reflector with it. The ballast also comes with a 3-year warranty too!!!
http://www.aquariumpros.ca/userfiles/2x55w-pc-ballast.jpg

Here are some pics of my ballast:
http://aquariumpros.ca/photopost/data/3006/1HL-PC-Ballast.jpg

http://aquariumpros.ca/photopost/data/3006/1Ballasts.jpg

Contact me should you have any questions!

HTH,

[Brian L]

I like it! Call you tomorrow. I like the refletor from AHSupply, It's angled to reflect the maximum amount of light. Unfortunately, the ballast in the AH kit is in the hood which get the salt creep bad if you believe in an uncovered tank like me.

Thanks

[Chatouille]

I agree about the reflectors from AH supply... I recently installed one of their kits, and am really impressed with it, and their service. I had to reorder bulbs from them because I broke one from doing something stupid, and had a replacement and a spare 2 days later. (I live 5 min from the border and picked them up in Maine... no brokerage fee :dance: )

As for the ballast in the hood, aren't you able to relocate it? The wiring that comes with the kits now is quite long and has the moisture proof endcaps. (don't know when you got your kit, or what differences there are)

Out of curiosity... how are the LFS down in St. John? It's a battle to get ANYTHING up here, and if by chance they can get it.... it's insanely priced. (Grand Falls)

[Brian L]

Hey Chat,

No, We'll not get any deals or quality LS up here; but give me a PM; I'm placing an order soon for some snails and fish. AH did go with waterproof endcaps and ballasts after I bought mine. I like the ballast above, and plan to get one asap.

[Brian L]

Certainly, AH offers great service. Were you able to install the ballasts outside of the tank? Their initial setup plans were not great if you like circulation on the surface. I built the hood by their plans and will definitly make some changes on my next attempt. HMMMM, see some critters coming. J&L ships to SJ.

Talk to you soon.

PLUFF... want anything?

[Chatouille]

The moisture proof endcaps that AH uses now have wiring that's around 6' long and look exactly like what ajx22's pic's show. Except that they have to be wired to the ballast (2 wires per light). 99% sure that they (AH) use the Fullham workhorse ballast. So there is room to relocate your ballast, although I didn't. I re-fitted my existing hood and mounted the ballast on the outside/rear of the hood. I will be doing a new hood in a week or two so I can house a couple more lights, and then use a piece of lexan/acrylic to shield them. The reason I like the ballast up there is because it's just a one power cord coming up, and I just threw a switch on it so I can turn on/off the lights from the hood. No need to reach around or crawl under anything to unplug it if I want the lights off.

If you do get the ballast/wiring from ajx22... make sure it's the one for the straight pin, as I noticed one of his pic's was for the square pin configuration.

How's your Xenia doing? Have you tried iodine? Some ppl say it works wonders. Just a thought.... but if you are having to chase your Ca/alk/pH around, could be time for that partial water change.

I sent you an PM about the order. Definately want to jump in on it.

[Brian L]

Well, the Xenia is still hnging in there; although much smaller than before. Kind of shriveled up but still grabbing for food passing by. Although I've been working the chemistry a little harder these days, the chemistry isn't all that bad. Just a maturing tank, I think. Sucking up the calcium and disturbing the balance.

Anyway, thanks. I'm not a big fan of iodine addiives. I do have some Kent on hand, but am not convinced that it is effective.

We'll order, say end of March. Wont be so cold I hope!

Regards,

Brian L

PS: Need a water change bad. Very hard to keep up with the huge evaporation rates over winter. The tank is on my lower level... with a wood stove.

[Chatouille]

Know what you mean about the evaporation... but look at all the money you saved on a humidifier having it there with your wood stove. :roflmao:

Sounds good on the order... drop me an e-mail before hand so we can work out my portion, and I'll send you a cheque or money order prior to you ordering.

[pluff]

Brian just give me a call,when your ready to order.I need some snails and prolly get a couple fish also.:cheers: