Just one aiptasia, what would you do?

schatzi · 09/24/2012, 06:37 PM

I bought some LR off craigslist and it came with one aiptasia. It's dead in the middle of a bunch of zoa's. I tried scrapping it out before I put the rock in but couldn't get it. So now I have one. Just one. It's almost as big as a nickel and of course I know it's going to spread, so what to do.

Seems the only solution that is 100% is getting some Berghia Nudibranchs. Everything else has it's downsides.

I know I need to do something about it now but I'm almost considering letting it spread a little to give the Nudibranchs more than just one to eat. Seems cruel to buy them for just one.

What would you do?

scarface70706 · 09/24/2012, 06:41 PM

aiptasia x works great for me. u should give it a shot.

SNAKEMANVET · 09/24/2012, 07:02 PM

I would turn off all flow from return and powerheads while useing aiptasia x,this will keep it from getting on your zoas.I always use mrs wagers pickling lime with good results.

Snakebyt · 09/24/2012, 07:15 PM

inject with vinegar

CHSUB · 09/24/2012, 07:45 PM

i would not worry to much, if the reef is properly maintained they seldom are a problem. i have two in my tank, and have had them in other tanks with no problems. if nutrients are high that is when they can take over tanks. although, i do have a couple of needles ready if needed.

laugh · 09/24/2012, 07:48 PM

Just put a little dab of kalk paste over it and it will perish.

LaOtIn · 09/24/2012, 08:32 PM

take your entire system down and quit!

or just use kalk

ReeferBatman · 09/24/2012, 10:18 PM

Aptasia-X worked wonders after I trusted "one wouldn't be an issue..."

Only problem was Aptasia-X was great at killing them, but not before they could spread more...

If you only have one, get Aptasia-X TODAY and pray it hasn't "spored".

Otherwise, my only other solution that worked was Peppermint shrimp... but you have to make sure their a particular variety (often hard to do)... I think it was the ones from the Pacific that ate aptasia... the ones from the carribean won't/don't.

sean357 · 09/24/2012, 10:33 PM

Aptaisa X is a great product, if you don't have anything that will eat them Peppermint shrimp also work if you get the right type

psyrob · 09/24/2012, 10:40 PM

+1 peppermints...just got two of these babies and they wiped out an infestation in my 10 gallon frag tank in two days...
Otherwise, a hard core solution would be to throw away the rock it is on....

Orm Embar · 09/24/2012, 10:44 PM

Quick note on peppermint shrimp - there are 2 types. The "reef safe" Aiptasia eating one is Lysmata wurdemanni (think it's wurdemanni - not the skunk cleaners nor the fire shrimp; kind of red and white but same body type).

The NOT reef safe one is Rhynocetes species (? spelling).

For 1 aip, I'd try kalk (I never had Aiptasia X around, and I did have kalk, so . . . )

psyrob · 09/24/2012, 10:51 PM

I tried using epoxy on the live rock an aiptasia was on to smother it, and it backed up and a day later, it popped up in another hole right next to the first spot. I repeated, and wound up with a rock with lots of ugly epoxy on it and a laughing aiptasia sticking it's ugly tongue out at me...

BigBarnacles · 09/24/2012, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scarface70706

aiptasia x works great for me. U should give it a shot.

+1

schatzi · 09/25/2012, 06:54 AM

I think I'll try kalk paste. Not sure I could successfully get a syringe in the thing.

pkane11384 · 09/25/2012, 06:58 AM

+1 on the Aiptasia-X

KafudaFish · 09/25/2012, 07:49 AM

Grab a bamboo skewer or a random chopstick, dip the tip in tank water, roll kalk on, turn the flow off, stab, twist, and pull the aiptasia out.

It will slime up as you stab it and after a few seconds the entire body will pull out.

If any kalk gets on the zoas sweep the water with your hand.

Turn tank back on.
Mount your trophy on the wall.
Have a beer.
Profit.

Reefer94 · 09/25/2012, 09:17 AM

+1 on Kalk. It fries them. If you have a syringe you can nail em.

NorthIAreef · 09/25/2012, 11:16 AM

+2 kalk works for me! Kill it before it spreads!

foundnemo11 · 09/25/2012, 02:40 PM

Aiptaisia x... It will be good to buy for the future if tour addind corals sometimes ull grt one or two from lfs

screamingibis · 09/25/2012, 02:56 PM

peppermints always works for me. I always keep at least one in the tank.

JohnV8r · 09/25/2012, 06:12 PM

First, I would use Kalk paste. It works great (much better than aptasia x).

Second, I would invest in 3-6 Peppermint Shrimp for protection against any unseen aptasia.

Trust me, there is no such thing as an acceptable level of aptasia.

jhoff · 09/25/2012, 06:51 PM

Get a file fish and it will be the last one you will ever see..

Eric45 · 09/26/2012, 02:46 PM

Nuke the tank, its all over now.

rrasco · 09/26/2012, 02:57 PM

I saw what I believed to be aiptasia on a frag I got a few months ago. A dab of super glue gel on the top of it did the trick. No new ones and that guy is a goner.

09/24/2012, 06:37 PM	#1
schatzi Professional amateur Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: JC, MO Posts: 513	Just one aiptasia, what would you do? I bought some LR off craigslist and it came with one aiptasia. It's dead in the middle of a bunch of zoa's. I tried scrapping it out before I put the rock in but couldn't get it. So now I have one. Just one. It's almost as big as a nickel and of course I know it's going to spread, so what to do. Seems the only solution that is 100% is getting some Berghia Nudibranchs. Everything else has it's downsides. I know I need to do something about it now but I'm almost considering letting it spread a little to give the Nudibranchs more than just one to eat. Seems cruel to buy them for just one. What would you do? __________________ 125g Mixed Reef, 46g predator tank, 25g fuge, 39g frag/fuge, 70g sump, 29g clown tank.

09/24/2012, 07:45 PM	#5
CHSUB "Certified Hobby Expert" Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 2,038	i would not worry to much, if the reef is properly maintained they seldom are a problem. i have two in my tank, and have had them in other tanks with no problems. if nutrients are high that is when they can take over tanks. although, i do have a couple of needles ready if needed. __________________ Goniopora Police _________________ building a 60"x36"x30" peninsula reef...follow at "NEW TANK BUILD" on reef discussion forum! http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2110638

09/24/2012, 07:48 PM	#6
laugh Member of the Registry Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 1,226	Just put a little dab of kalk paste over it and it will perish. __________________ NORK President Current Tank Info: All gone

09/24/2012, 08:32 PM	#7
LaOtIn Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 704	take your entire system down and quit! or just use kalk __________________ I am a water keeper that happens to like fish and coral Once a Marine, Always a Marine Semper Fidelis Devil Dog

09/24/2012, 10:40 PM	#10
psyrob Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 508	+1 peppermints...just got two of these babies and they wiped out an infestation in my 10 gallon frag tank in two days... Otherwise, a hard core solution would be to throw away the rock it is on.... __________________ We have engaged the Borg.... Current Tank Info: 60 gallon mixed reef, 4X54 T5s, 10 gallon frag tank, Reefbreeders PAR38 led bulb, Euroreef Skimmer, wp25 pump ReefAngel controller

09/24/2012, 06:41 PM	#2
scarface70706 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,364	aiptasia x works great for me. u should give it a shot.

09/24/2012, 07:02 PM	#3
SNAKEMANVET PREMIUM MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: TRENTON Tn Posts: 4,486	I would turn off all flow from return and powerheads while useing aiptasia x,this will keep it from getting on your zoas.I always use mrs wagers pickling lime with good results.

09/24/2012, 07:15 PM	#4
Snakebyt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Lubbock Tx Posts: 2,141	inject with vinegar

09/24/2012, 10:18 PM	#8
ReeferBatman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 289	Aptasia-X worked wonders after I trusted "one wouldn't be an issue..." Only problem was Aptasia-X was great at killing them, but not before they could spread more... If you only have one, get Aptasia-X TODAY and pray it hasn't "spored". Otherwise, my only other solution that worked was Peppermint shrimp... but you have to make sure their a particular variety (often hard to do)... I think it was the ones from the Pacific that ate aptasia... the ones from the carribean won't/don't.

09/24/2012, 10:33 PM	#9
sean357 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 117	Aptaisa X is a great product, if you don't have anything that will eat them Peppermint shrimp also work if you get the right type

09/24/2012, 10:44 PM	#11
Orm Embar Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 667	Quick note on peppermint shrimp - there are 2 types. The "reef safe" Aiptasia eating one is Lysmata wurdemanni (think it's wurdemanni - not the skunk cleaners nor the fire shrimp; kind of red and white but same body type). The NOT reef safe one is Rhynocetes species (? spelling). For 1 aip, I'd try kalk (I never had Aiptasia X around, and I did have kalk, so . . . ) __________________ Mark (on AOL: Orm Embar) Quotes from my friends upon seeing my tank: "Hey, fresh sushi!"

09/24/2012, 10:51 PM	#12
psyrob Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 508	I tried using epoxy on the live rock an aiptasia was on to smother it, and it backed up and a day later, it popped up in another hole right next to the first spot. I repeated, and wound up with a rock with lots of ugly epoxy on it and a laughing aiptasia sticking it's ugly tongue out at me... __________________ We have engaged the Borg.... Current Tank Info: 60 gallon mixed reef, 4X54 T5s, 10 gallon frag tank, Reefbreeders PAR38 led bulb, Euroreef Skimmer, wp25 pump ReefAngel controller

09/25/2012, 06:54 AM	#14
schatzi Professional amateur Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: JC, MO Posts: 513	I think I'll try kalk paste. Not sure I could successfully get a syringe in the thing. __________________ 125g Mixed Reef, 46g predator tank, 25g fuge, 39g frag/fuge, 70g sump, 29g clown tank.

09/25/2012, 06:58 AM	#15
pkane11384 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New York Posts: 323	+1 on the Aiptasia-X __________________ BioCube 29 -AquaticLife 115, MP10ES, BioCube UV Light, InTank Media Basket, MJ1200, CRP Nano Reactor, AI Sol Blue -Occ. Clown, Yellowtail Damsel, PJ Cardinal, Yellow Coris Wrasse -Corals: LPS Domin

09/25/2012, 07:49 AM	#16
KafudaFish Cyprinius carpio Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 4,496	Grab a bamboo skewer or a random chopstick, dip the tip in tank water, roll kalk on, turn the flow off, stab, twist, and pull the aiptasia out. It will slime up as you stab it and after a few seconds the entire body will pull out. If any kalk gets on the zoas sweep the water with your hand. Turn tank back on. Mount your trophy on the wall. Have a beer. Profit.

09/25/2012, 09:17 AM	#17
Reefer94 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Memphis Posts: 174	+1 on Kalk. It fries them. If you have a syringe you can nail em. __________________ 15+ yrs experience, tanks all sizes. I like the small ones. 20g - 10g Sump, Vortech MP10wES, AquaC Urchin PRO, AI Vega 60g Cube in the works Current Tank Info: 20g Nano, 10g Sump, AI SOL Blue LED

09/25/2012, 11:16 AM	#18
NorthIAreef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 43	+2 kalk works for me! Kill it before it spreads!

09/25/2012, 02:40 PM	#19
foundnemo11 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 839	Aiptaisia x... It will be good to buy for the future if tour addind corals sometimes ull grt one or two from lfs __________________ I am a compulsive liar, and a millionaire. Current Tank Info: 75 gallon mixed reef, mostly sps, bubble magnus skimmer nac5, Reefbreeders Photon48, hippo tang, kole tang, 2 clownfish, 3 chromis, 1 cleaner wrasse, 1 cleaner shrimp, crabs/snails

09/25/2012, 02:56 PM	#20
screamingibis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Maysville, GA Posts: 375	peppermints always works for me. I always keep at least one in the tank.

09/25/2012, 06:12 PM	#21
JohnV8r Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA Posts: 399	First, I would use Kalk paste. It works great (much better than aptasia x). Second, I would invest in 3-6 Peppermint Shrimp for protection against any unseen aptasia. Trust me, there is no such thing as an acceptable level of aptasia. __________________ We're not put on this earth to see through one another; we're put on this earth to see one another through - Gloria Vanderbilt Current Tank Info: 175g reef (48"L x 28"D x 30"H), 15g Refugium, 30g Sump w/ASM G3 (gate, mesh, & recirc mods), 10K GPH flow via 3 Tunze 7096 + return, ATO via Tunze Osmolater, 2x250W Radiums, GFO, Carbon, dosing vinegar/vodka, Alk, Ca, via 3 BRS dosers & Apex.

09/25/2012, 06:51 PM	#22
jhoff Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Edison New Jersey Posts: 1,082	Get a file fish and it will be the last one you will ever see..

09/26/2012, 02:46 PM	#23
Eric45 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 725	Nuke the tank, its all over now.

09/26/2012, 02:57 PM	#24
rrasco Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,159	I saw what I believed to be aiptasia on a frag I got a few months ago. A dab of super glue gel on the top of it did the trick. No new ones and that guy is a goner. __________________ -You had me at PWM