Pom Pom Xenia coral is one of those reef inhabitants that hobbyists either absolutely love or cautiously respect. With its pulsing polyps, soft branching structure, and constant movement, it brings a ton of life to any saltwater aquarium. But this soft coral can also spread quickly if conditions are right, so understanding how to care for it—and control it—is essential.
Pom Pom Xenia Care: Lighting, Flow, and Placement
Pom Pom Xenia (Xenia sp.) is a fast-growing soft coral that’s generally considered hardy and beginner-friendly. It thrives in stable, nutrient-rich reef systems and rewards good care with constant pulsing and steady growth.
Ideal Water Parameters
- Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
- Nitrate: 5–15 ppm
- Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm
Unlike many SPS corals that demand ultra-low nutrients, Pom Pom Xenia actually appreciates slightly “dirtier” water. If your tank is extremely low in nutrients, it may stop pulsing or slowly recede.
Lighting and Flow
Moderate lighting is usually ideal. Under very intense light, Pom Pom Xenia may shrink up or bleach; under very low light, it may stretch and lose its compact, bushy look. Many aquarists have success placing it in the mid to lower half of the tank under typical reef LEDs.
Flow should be gentle to moderate. You want enough movement to sway the stalks without blasting the polyps. Too much direct flow can prevent the pulsing motion that makes this coral so captivating.
Tip: If your Xenia stops pulsing, check for sudden changes in alkalinity, temperature, or nutrient levels. Stability is often more important than chasing “perfect” numbers.
Growth, Control, and Tank Mates
Pom Pom Xenia is famous for its ability to spread. Under good conditions, it will quickly cover nearby rockwork and even climb glass. That can be beautiful—or overwhelming—depending on your goals for the tank.
How to Keep Pom Pom Xenia Under Control
- Island placement: Put it on a separate rock “island” in the sand so it can’t easily reach your main rock structure.
- Manual pruning: Gently peel or cut away unwanted colonies from rock surfaces and remove them from the system.
- Watch nutrient levels: Very high nutrients can accelerate growth; aim for moderate, stable levels instead of letting them climb unchecked.
If you’re building a soft coral or beginner-friendly tank, Pom Pom Xenia can be an excellent centerpiece. For mixed reefs with LPS and SPS, just be strategic about placement so it doesn’t overtake slower-growing corals.
Compatibility and Feeding
Pom Pom Xenia is generally peaceful and doesn’t have strong stinging tentacles. It coexists well with:
- Clownfish, gobies, blennies, and most peaceful community fish
- Other soft corals like zoanthids and leathers
- Many LPS corals, if given space
It relies mostly on photosynthesis and dissolved nutrients, so target feeding isn’t necessary. Occasional broadcast feeding of fine coral foods can help the system overall, but overfeeding will boost nutrients and may speed up Xenia’s spread.
Is Pom Pom Xenia Right for Your Reef?
If you want a moving, eye-catching coral that responds quickly to good husbandry, Pom Pom Xenia is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well-suited for new reef keepers learning to maintain stable parameters and for tanks that lean toward soft corals and active fish.
Before adding it, think about your long-term aquascape. Plan an isolated rock, be ready for routine trimming, and keep an eye on nutrient levels. With a little foresight, Pom Pom Xenia can be a highlight of your reef instead of a headache.
For more coral care ideas, check out our guides to Zoanthid Coral Care and building a balanced Soft Coral Reef Tank. If you’re just starting your system, our Beginner Saltwater Aquarium Setup walkthrough pairs perfectly with adding hardy corals like Pom Pom Xenia.
Sources
- Borneman, E. H. (2001). Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History. TFH Publications.
- Sprung, J. (2001). Corals: A Quick Reference Guide. Ricordea Publishing.
- Advanced Aquarist Online Magazine – archived articles on soft coral husbandry and Xenia care.
- Reef aquarium community data and long-term hobbyist reports on Xenia growth and behavior.
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