aptasia

[ekaser]

I have a 125 gallon reef tank that has an aptasia infestation. I have had success with Joe's Juice but several of the larger ones are in the rocks in places I cannot reach. Do I keep trying the Joe's Juice or can I try a fish like a Copperband or Raccoon butterfly? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Ed

[bigfoot]

id actually like some
but i heard real hot water in a baster targeted at them kills em pretty quick

[FishinInTheDark]

The butterflyfishes will be hard to get to eat once the aiptasia is gone. They are just really picky eaters, and often starve. I would do that as a very last resort.

Are you using a hypodermic or just a syringe with the Joe's Juice? If you can get a hypo from your pharmacy and stick it right into the aiptasia's mouth, you'll have better luck. It still takes a couple tries sometimes.

I have had really good luck with peppermint shrimp, but they don't always eat the big aiptasia. I think mine would have, but there's no guarantee there.

GL!

[Doctor_Reef]

Conni is right on target with the hypo---and the butterfly's can take care of the problem but the eating thing is a problem sometimes....I have some peps that are not interested at all in aptasia!! It is the win of the draw sometimes!!!! :)

[BoldAsBrass]

I went for the calcium injections. One day while injecting the aptasia someone came to the door, and I answered it with syringe in hand. Probably thought I was shooting up. No aptasia in my tank anymore.

[Doctor_Reef]

How funny!!!! :)

[newtofish]

I heard a tip today. Feed the Aptasia some meaty food prior to usinf the paste or joes juice. The little guys are full and can not retreat into the rocks, kind of like a cork. I am going to tey this tonight. I'll let you guys know!

[FishinInTheDark]

Very interesting idea. Do let us know!

[Doctor_Reef]

Hmmmmmm.....Sounds interesting!!!! :)

[FishinInTheDark]

The proverbial last meal!

[BoldAsBrass]

*LOL* , you got it conni. The theory has some sense to it, then again a rat (sorry for the analogy) can fit through a space the size of a pencil when threatened. NERD ALERT!

[ekaser]

I really appreciate the advice. I will continue with the Joe's Juice for now. What do you do to get at the ones on the back side of the live rock? Does it get to the point where I will need to move all the rock?

Ed

[Doctor_Reef]

Yes, or find something that can get to it like Pepperment shrimp! Here is what can happen if left unchecked!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/RLeversee/dc791.jpg

OMG Ron...now thats an infestation! And to think I get excited over spoting just a couple....

I usually attack the problem with a Hypo from the Cattle Supply store (Big 3.5" long needle) and Kalkwasser Slurry. It rarely takes more than one "serving", Your milage may vary...

[bigfoot]

ohhhhhh that would suck!

[Doctor_Reef]

I am so glad that wasn't any of my tanks!!!!! :)

[bigfoot]

I also heard that aptasia can put out as many as 100 babies a day so kill it quick! if that was my tank id pull as much as i could and nuke the tank
take the temp too 95 and let it all croak move the aptaisa off the substrate and scoop out a bunch to save some pods and stars

[Sugar Magnolia]

I know it's hit or miss with peppermint shrimp, but it certainly is worth a try. Mine have always been aiptasia eaters for me. The one I have now has been a model citizen for over a year now.

[Doctor_Reef]

The only trouble I have had with Peps is that some are not interested in the aptasia, and they can be little pesks... But as a whole if you get the good ones they can make short order out of the aptasia!!!!