how to get rid of Aptasia in a clam tank

Daniel62 · 01/23/2003, 02:26 PM

Ok I have tried all the man made ways to rid my tank of this scorge. kalk, chemicals, hot water, dipping, grinding, smashing, epoxy. explosive (well maybe not that yet) And everytime they come back stronger. I know its because I can not get to the ones at the back or in the rocks. I have 5 Clams anywhere from 2 to 4 inches, along with sps and a few fish. So what I am asking is what do you guys use as far as biological controls go. nudies, shrimps, fish. little scuba men. Please let me know what has and hasn't worked for you. I want no harm to come to my clams. Thanks

holeinone1972 · 01/24/2003, 05:02 PM

Send in Scuba Steve!!

Copperbands are ok, sometimes. They are even better if they don't eat your clams (rarely do) and you can get them to eat prepared foods after Aiptasias are gone.

Peppermint shrimp seem to work well, as long as they are real peppermint shrimp.

Bad side of these shrimp is they will depleat your sandbed. They also seem to get used to your tank feedings, as being as opportunistic as the next animal, they let you feed them instead of eating aiptasia's. (aip are ugly would you eat them)

They seem to be the cockroach of the oceans, they will probably ;lve better in our tanks than they do in the ocean.

Best you can do is keep fighting.

Best of luck.

ps I use Hydrochloric acid sometimes works great!

Rob

shez15 · 01/24/2003, 06:25 PM

I agree with holeinone1972 that peppermint shrimp are the cheapest most effective way to rid yourself of aiptasia. I also agree that these little buggers are a pain in the a** after they have done their duty. I had one added to my tank and after the aiptasia was gone, he headed staight for my BTA. I tore my entire tank down trying to catch him! If you don't have anenomes, go this route. Word of caution, make sure it's a peppermint and not a camelback. Camelbacks love coral. Copper banded butterflies work well too, but I've heard they may pick at polyps.

Flame*Angel · 01/24/2003, 06:47 PM

Copperband butterfly worked great for me. He picked aiptasia right off the clams shells without them even seeming to notice - surgical precision! I've posted a lot about my great experience with this fish. You've probably read about Zeke here already.

01/23/2003, 02:26 PM	#1
Daniel62 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: kingman, AZ Posts: 1,483	how to get rid of Aptasia in a clam tank Ok I have tried all the man made ways to rid my tank of this scorge. kalk, chemicals, hot water, dipping, grinding, smashing, epoxy. explosive (well maybe not that yet) And everytime they come back stronger. I know its because I can not get to the ones at the back or in the rocks. I have 5 Clams anywhere from 2 to 4 inches, along with sps and a few fish. So what I am asking is what do you guys use as far as biological controls go. nudies, shrimps, fish. little scuba men. Please let me know what has and hasn't worked for you. I want no harm to come to my clams. Thanks __________________ Mind over matter, if you don't mind it doesn't matter Current Tank Info: 225 reef, 125 clown & haddoni tank, Haddoni's Big Bad & Beautiful, I Love Them!

01/24/2003, 05:02 PM	#2
holeinone1972 Team RC Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 2,334	Send in Scuba Steve!! Copperbands are ok, sometimes. They are even better if they don't eat your clams (rarely do) and you can get them to eat prepared foods after Aiptasias are gone. Peppermint shrimp seem to work well, as long as they are real peppermint shrimp. Bad side of these shrimp is they will depleat your sandbed. They also seem to get used to your tank feedings, as being as opportunistic as the next animal, they let you feed them instead of eating aiptasia's. (aip are ugly would you eat them) They seem to be the cockroach of the oceans, they will probably ;lve better in our tanks than they do in the ocean. Best you can do is keep fighting. Best of luck. ps I use Hydrochloric acid sometimes works great! Rob __________________ It's only money !!!! Current Tank Info: Trying to decide on 1st tank since mass selloff.

01/24/2003, 06:25 PM	#3
shez15 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 179	I agree with holeinone1972 that peppermint shrimp are the cheapest most effective way to rid yourself of aiptasia. I also agree that these little buggers are a pain in the a** after they have done their duty. I had one added to my tank and after the aiptasia was gone, he headed staight for my BTA. I tore my entire tank down trying to catch him! If you don't have anenomes, go this route. Word of caution, make sure it's a peppermint and not a camelback. Camelbacks love coral. Copper banded butterflies work well too, but I've heard they may pick at polyps.

01/24/2003, 06:47 PM	#4
Flame*Angel Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Canada Posts: 3,034	Copperband butterfly worked great for me. He picked aiptasia right off the clams shells without them even seeming to notice - surgical precision! I've posted a lot about my great experience with this fish. You've probably read about Zeke here already.