green hair algea and bristle worms?also aptasia issues

aceheart1976 · 03/06/2008, 07:38 PM

can anyone suggest ways to get rid of these in a 24 gal aquapod tank? i have added blue leg hermits several times but they dont seem to eat the algea fast enough lol. and types of fish i could get for these problems?
as for the aptasia, what would be the best way to get rid of the majority of them?

Salamander · 03/06/2008, 07:44 PM

Algae - Deal with your excessive nutrient problems.

Bristle worms - Why get rid of them?

Aiptasia - Inject with a syringe full of kalk solution.

Bainic · 03/06/2008, 07:49 PM

I agree with Salamander on 1 and 2, as for 3 there's lots of solutions to that problem, and all of them have people that swear by that method, and have people that swear that it doesn't work. Check out these options and see which is best for you:

Kalk paste - injection
Chemical treatments
Nudibranch- forget which one
Peppermint shrimp
Copperbanded Butterfly fish

and I'm sure there are other methods.

Dave

aceheart1976 · 03/06/2008, 07:49 PM

well, as it is i only have 2 fish in the tank and only feed 1 time every 2 days. i thought the worms was a nuisance but maybe im wrong lol. but there is more and more worms showing up it seems.
and i heard there was some type of fish and also some invertabrates that would eat aptasia lol

ive noticed that the halimade(dont know if i spelled that right) is growing massively and fast in there. what nutrients do i need to look for?

aceheart1976 · 03/06/2008, 07:51 PM

how big does a copperband get? this is a 24 gal tank but i am planning on a 180 gal tank in the very near future, already bought the tank, just need to get the house finished being built and the fish room done to install it into the main living room

Bainic · 03/06/2008, 08:11 PM

Well Copperbands definately get too big for a 24g, a 180g would be great for it, but that doesn't solve your aiptasia problem. I would recommend for you either the peppermint shrimp or the nudibranch. Shrimp are relatively cheap, and as for the nudibranch, you can probably find one that someone will loan/trade/sell you.

Dave

aceheart1976 · 03/06/2008, 08:18 PM

how fast does the copperband grow? and are they reefsafe? i dont really like the nudis or peppermints but i love the look of the copperbands

Bainic · 03/06/2008, 08:27 PM

Well I suppose you could keep a copperband in the 24g and it wouldn't grow very fast, especially if you feed lightly like you said. Yes, they are reef safe, I have never heard of them eating any corals or such. If you were to get one, make sure that it's small or he'll be cramped and unhappy in your 24. Just make sure you QT and acclimate him properly.

Dave

aceheart1976 · 03/06/2008, 08:29 PM

well, if i get one and he does start getting too big before i can get the 180 up i could always put him into my wifes 47 gal tall tank

aceheart1976 · 03/06/2008, 11:05 PM

anyone got a suggestion for the hair algea? would rather get a fish or something that will eat it that try other methods

Salamander · 03/06/2008, 11:22 PM

Getting a fish etc that eats the algae doesn't solve the problem. You need to treat the problems not the signs and symptoms. You need better nutrient export - better skimming, more water changes, more live rock etc.

And yes there are many ways to treat aiptasia. I like a syringe with kalk. Works good if you can spear the anemone. Manually injecting them along with peps to clean up and get the smaller ones works great. Most likely if you get peps you'll hardly see them.

I wouldn't recommend getting the copperband. You never know what will happen to postpone you from upgrading to your 180, and the wife's tank would be too small to IMO.

useskaforevil · 03/06/2008, 11:26 PM

i wouldn't get a copperband and plan on feeding lightly to keep it from growing too fast. they're not all that easy to keep and starving it isn't helping anything. get a syringe, its much safer and cheaper.

plyle02 · 03/07/2008, 12:01 AM

HA= bad, excessive nutrients, treated best by solving water issues as mentioned above
Aptasia= bad, copperbands do eat them, but then normally have a hard time taking to convential foods, not the best idea... Peppermints are hit or miss, IME they normally take to the smaller ones, but the tank needs to be underfed in order for them to eat aptasia, otherwise they scavenge on excess food. Berghia Nudibranch work, but you must get enough that they multiply, as they hunt larger aptasia as a team, so multiple ones needed, and some fish do prey on the Berghia. Kalk nuking usually works, but they do spawn if you don't get them completely, so you might want to try this method and the addition of peppermints.
Bristleworms= good as long as their population is controlled, it is said that 6 line wrasses help keep them in control.
This is my experience with all the issues mentioned above, for what it is worth lol... Good luck on the 180!

Salamander · 03/07/2008, 12:07 AM

I forgot to mention addition of a refugium growing macro algae for great nutrient export. An excellent and widely used way to export nutrients.

plyle02 · 03/07/2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Salamander
I forgot to mention addition of a refugium growing macro algae for great nutrient export. An excellent and widely used way to export nutrients.

I agree... Also, not sure if I read the type of water being used for make up, RO/DI? Also skimming? Maybe underated for the tank, or not working properly... Might also want to consider a phosban reactor to eliminate PO4..... A few more thoughts on solving that hair algae issue......

aceheart1976 · 03/07/2008, 08:16 AM

well, skimming is not available for this little tank, it is a24 gal aquapod with closed lid. and i dont beleive in using ro/di water either.
im guessing the halimeda plant i have in the tank that is growing super fast isnt helping too much with the nutrient export or it might be causing more nutrients, not sure
as for the water changes i have been doing roughly 4-6 gals weekly in the tank using reef crystal salt mix and for the amount of live rock, its has roughly 45-50 lbs of rock in this tank already and about 40 lbs of sand for a dsb of 3+inches

plyle02 · 03/07/2008, 10:52 AM

skimming should be available for the 24 gallon tank, I use a skimmer rated for a heavily stocked 135 gallon tank on my 28 gallon nano. I also use RO/DI..... My water is crystal clear with no algae. I am quite sure this is why you have hair algae. Also a Halimeda plant will most likely feed on nutrients, but I am willing to bet your nitrates and phosphates are higher than you think. What type of water are you using for water changes and topoff? IMO, RO/DI is essential in the pursuit of a thriving reef. Just my opinion though, good luck.....

aceheart1976 · 03/07/2008, 12:12 PM

i have never seen a skimmer for the little aquapod tanks, and for top off i use the same water that i use to make salt water.

foxesreef · 03/07/2008, 12:37 PM

How do you get all the luck?

Anyway, you have received great help already. Skim, skim, skim as well as manual removal and refugium.

Bristleworms are good for your tank unless they are taking over.

Aptasia, I am currently battling. Bought a couple of peppermint shrimp. Too recent to see if they are on strike or not. Tried hot lemon juice and lets just say the one or two that I hit with it so far are NOT happy!

Good luck, you will win!

aceheart1976 · 03/07/2008, 06:04 PM

if i could find a skimmer for the aquapod 24 i would get one. i have been doing manual removal but thats getting old doing it every other day lol/ i used to have a lawnmower blenny but things happened a few weeks ago and all my fish died lol. accident from my 3 y/o daughter thinking the fish needed their hair detangled lol but all my coral survived and now without the lawnmower the hairt algea is getting stronger by the day again
keep me posted on the peppermints so i will know if i want toget those or not

03/06/2008, 07:38 PM	#1
aceheart1976 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: aiken, south carolina Posts: 188	green hair algea and bristle worms?also aptasia issues can anyone suggest ways to get rid of these in a 24 gal aquapod tank? i have added blue leg hermits several times but they dont seem to eat the algea fast enough lol. and types of fish i could get for these problems? as for the aptasia, what would be the best way to get rid of the majority of them?

03/06/2008, 07:44 PM	#2
Salamander Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 2,103	Algae - Deal with your excessive nutrient problems. Bristle worms - Why get rid of them? Aiptasia - Inject with a syringe full of kalk solution. __________________ I feel more like myself now than I did before. Current Tank Info: 120g mixed reef, 2 x 250W DE MH, 2 x 54w T5, MSX 200 SKimmer, 2 Koralia 4's, 40g fuge/sump, QT

03/06/2008, 07:49 PM	#3
Bainic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 72	I agree with Salamander on 1 and 2, as for 3 there's lots of solutions to that problem, and all of them have people that swear by that method, and have people that swear that it doesn't work. Check out these options and see which is best for you: Kalk paste - injection Chemical treatments Nudibranch- forget which one Peppermint shrimp Copperbanded Butterfly fish and I'm sure there are other methods. Dave __________________ If my wife asks, it only cost $20!! Current Tank Info: 55g 2ocellaris, 1maroon, 1goby, 1yellow tang, 3chromis, sand sifting star

03/06/2008, 08:11 PM	#6
Bainic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 72	Well Copperbands definately get too big for a 24g, a 180g would be great for it, but that doesn't solve your aiptasia problem. I would recommend for you either the peppermint shrimp or the nudibranch. Shrimp are relatively cheap, and as for the nudibranch, you can probably find one that someone will loan/trade/sell you. Dave __________________ If my wife asks, it only cost $20!! Current Tank Info: 55g 2ocellaris, 1maroon, 1goby, 1yellow tang, 3chromis, sand sifting star

03/06/2008, 08:27 PM	#8
Bainic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 72	Well I suppose you could keep a copperband in the 24g and it wouldn't grow very fast, especially if you feed lightly like you said. Yes, they are reef safe, I have never heard of them eating any corals or such. If you were to get one, make sure that it's small or he'll be cramped and unhappy in your 24. Just make sure you QT and acclimate him properly. Dave __________________ If my wife asks, it only cost $20!! Current Tank Info: 55g 2ocellaris, 1maroon, 1goby, 1yellow tang, 3chromis, sand sifting star

03/06/2008, 07:51 PM	#5
aceheart1976 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: aiken, south carolina Posts: 188	how big does a copperband get? this is a 24 gal tank but i am planning on a 180 gal tank in the very near future, already bought the tank, just need to get the house finished being built and the fish room done to install it into the main living room

03/06/2008, 08:18 PM	#7
aceheart1976 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: aiken, south carolina Posts: 188	how fast does the copperband grow? and are they reefsafe? i dont really like the nudis or peppermints but i love the look of the copperbands

03/06/2008, 08:29 PM	#9
aceheart1976 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: aiken, south carolina Posts: 188	well, if i get one and he does start getting too big before i can get the 180 up i could always put him into my wifes 47 gal tall tank

03/06/2008, 11:05 PM	#10
aceheart1976 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: aiken, south carolina Posts: 188	anyone got a suggestion for the hair algea? would rather get a fish or something that will eat it that try other methods

03/06/2008, 11:22 PM	#11
Salamander Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 2,103	Getting a fish etc that eats the algae doesn't solve the problem. You need to treat the problems not the signs and symptoms. You need better nutrient export - better skimming, more water changes, more live rock etc. And yes there are many ways to treat aiptasia. I like a syringe with kalk. Works good if you can spear the anemone. Manually injecting them along with peps to clean up and get the smaller ones works great. Most likely if you get peps you'll hardly see them. I wouldn't recommend getting the copperband. You never know what will happen to postpone you from upgrading to your 180, and the wife's tank would be too small to IMO. __________________ I feel more like myself now than I did before. Current Tank Info: 120g mixed reef, 2 x 250W DE MH, 2 x 54w T5, MSX 200 SKimmer, 2 Koralia 4's, 40g fuge/sump, QT

03/06/2008, 11:26 PM	#12
useskaforevil Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: kent, ohio Posts: 1,012	i wouldn't get a copperband and plan on feeding lightly to keep it from growing too fast. they're not all that easy to keep and starving it isn't helping anything. get a syringe, its much safer and cheaper. __________________ "and the delicate mechanism stripped its gears" Current Tank Info: 80gallon bowfront

03/07/2008, 12:01 AM	#13
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	HA= bad, excessive nutrients, treated best by solving water issues as mentioned above Aptasia= bad, copperbands do eat them, but then normally have a hard time taking to convential foods, not the best idea... Peppermints are hit or miss, IME they normally take to the smaller ones, but the tank needs to be underfed in order for them to eat aptasia, otherwise they scavenge on excess food. Berghia Nudibranch work, but you must get enough that they multiply, as they hunt larger aptasia as a team, so multiple ones needed, and some fish do prey on the Berghia. Kalk nuking usually works, but they do spawn if you don't get them completely, so you might want to try this method and the addition of peppermints. Bristleworms= good as long as their population is controlled, it is said that 6 line wrasses help keep them in control. This is my experience with all the issues mentioned above, for what it is worth lol... Good luck on the 180! __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

03/07/2008, 12:07 AM	#14
Salamander Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 2,103	I forgot to mention addition of a refugium growing macro algae for great nutrient export. An excellent and widely used way to export nutrients. __________________ I feel more like myself now than I did before. Current Tank Info: 120g mixed reef, 2 x 250W DE MH, 2 x 54w T5, MSX 200 SKimmer, 2 Koralia 4's, 40g fuge/sump, QT

03/07/2008, 08:16 AM	#16
aceheart1976 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: aiken, south carolina Posts: 188	well, skimming is not available for this little tank, it is a24 gal aquapod with closed lid. and i dont beleive in using ro/di water either. im guessing the halimeda plant i have in the tank that is growing super fast isnt helping too much with the nutrient export or it might be causing more nutrients, not sure as for the water changes i have been doing roughly 4-6 gals weekly in the tank using reef crystal salt mix and for the amount of live rock, its has roughly 45-50 lbs of rock in this tank already and about 40 lbs of sand for a dsb of 3+inches

03/07/2008, 10:52 AM	#17
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	skimming should be available for the 24 gallon tank, I use a skimmer rated for a heavily stocked 135 gallon tank on my 28 gallon nano. I also use RO/DI..... My water is crystal clear with no algae. I am quite sure this is why you have hair algae. Also a Halimeda plant will most likely feed on nutrients, but I am willing to bet your nitrates and phosphates are higher than you think. What type of water are you using for water changes and topoff? IMO, RO/DI is essential in the pursuit of a thriving reef. Just my opinion though, good luck..... __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

03/07/2008, 12:12 PM	#18
aceheart1976 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: aiken, south carolina Posts: 188	i have never seen a skimmer for the little aquapod tanks, and for top off i use the same water that i use to make salt water.

03/07/2008, 12:37 PM	#19
foxesreef Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hurricane, WV Posts: 108	How do you get all the luck? Anyway, you have received great help already. Skim, skim, skim as well as manual removal and refugium. Bristleworms are good for your tank unless they are taking over. Aptasia, I am currently battling. Bought a couple of peppermint shrimp. Too recent to see if they are on strike or not. Tried hot lemon juice and lets just say the one or two that I hit with it so far are NOT happy! Good luck, you will win!

03/07/2008, 06:04 PM	#20
aceheart1976 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: aiken, south carolina Posts: 188	if i could find a skimmer for the aquapod 24 i would get one. i have been doing manual removal but thats getting old doing it every other day lol/ i used to have a lawnmower blenny but things happened a few weeks ago and all my fish died lol. accident from my 3 y/o daughter thinking the fish needed their hair detangled lol but all my coral survived and now without the lawnmower the hairt algea is getting stronger by the day again keep me posted on the peppermints so i will know if i want toget those or not