Aiptasia control

[hangles]

Has anyone used sodium hydroxide to kill these critters and if so how did you mix and apply.

thanks

 

[jh2pizza]

boiling hot vinegar through a shringe works well for me. But then again, I think Boiling hot anything would kill them including clean water.

 

[hangles]

how do you keep it hot enough till you get to them

 

[Bcollins111900]

Aptasia X... works like a charm.

 

[jh2pizza]

how do you keep it hot enough till you get to them

Work quickly. Reheat between applications in Microwave. Or just place the pest into the Microwave. Either way. lol

 

[Krakanator]

IMHO, the only way to really control the population is with peppermint shrimp. I have one in my 29 that was quite literally loaded with aptasia. Tried everything, aptasia-x and similar, kalk-paste, lemon juice...sure they would kill the aptasia, but they always came back. Bought a peppermint shrimp from Phishys and were all gone within maybe 10 days.
I have even re-introduced a few into the tank via frags and saw those dissapear within hours. Peppermint shrimp, end of story.

 

[Perched Urchin]

Who does a better job eating these little nasties - peppermint shrimp or copperband butterflies? I know there is a vast difference between the two in the ease of keeping (not to mention cost), but just curious.

 

[jh2pizza]

Who does a better job eating these little nasties - peppermint shrimp or copperband butterflies? I know there is a vast difference between the two in the ease of keeping (not to mention cost), but just curious.

Just my opinion, but CBB belongs in the ocean. I picked up 3 shrimp from Phishy and the wiped out the issue other than the very large ones. I had to take care of those myself.

 

[szwab]

Just my opinion, but CBB belongs in the ocean. I picked up 3 shrimp from Phishy and the wiped out the issue other than the very large ones. I had to take care of those myself.

+1 on the CBB

My peps would come out and eat the leftovers afer I'd nuke the larger aptasia.