Aiptasia

[rockfanmidsouth]

Morning everyone

Yesterday evening I was admiring my tank and I noticed something attached to my live rock that I didn't put there. Just confirmed that its aiptasia. I was told either Peppermint Shrimp, File Fish, or a syringe kit to directly apply something to get rid of it.. Ideas for the best way to remove it? Is this something that will pop up periodically or once removed will it stay gone? Thanks

 

[nam2212]

They tend to spread pretty rapidly in a system with lots of available nutrients. I try to get rid of them when I see them but other people just let them be. I have had good luck with peppermint shrimp.

 

[neuroslicer]

I have never had luck with the peppermint shrimp, but found that a concentrated solution of pickling lime (e.g. Mrs. Wages available at Kroger's) injected onto them while they are open will usually kill them. This is the same as kalkwasser or calcium hydroxide, and it's the main ingredient in Aiptasia elimination treatments you can buy commercially (e.g. Aiptasia-X, Joe's Juice). But once you get an infestation you can expect frequent reoccurrences. So you'll need to retreat often. I also use an electric wand that passes DC current over the tissue and kills them (aka aiptaser), but if they are embedded in live rock they often retract into a crack and it's hard to stun them.

Then of course you can use the Memphis treatments if your Aiptasia are particularly nasty!

 

[nam2212]

I have never had luck with the peppermint shrimp, but found that a concentrated solution of pickling lime (e.g. Mrs. Wages available at Kroger's) injected onto them while they are open will usually kill them. This is the same as kalkwasser or calcium hydroxide, and it's the main ingredient in Aiptasia elimination treatments you can buy commercially (e.g. Aiptasia-X, Joe's Juice). But once you get an infestation you can expect frequent reoccurrences. So you'll need to retreat often. I also use an electric wand that passes DC current over the tissue and kills them (aka aiptaser), but if they are embedded in live rock they often retract into a crack and it's hard to stun them.

Then of course you can use the Memphis treatments if your Aiptasia are particularly nasty!

I only had a few small aiptasia in the new tank. I tried the AiptasiaX and they always came back within a week or so. I bought a peppermint shrimp and they all disappeared within a few days. It also ate a head of candycane though. Just ate one head of the 5 total. I have no idea why but that peppermint was selective about eating corals. HA! Unfortunately I dosed some AlgaeFix Marine and within 2 days both my shrimp were dead. I hope I will be able to pick out another aiptasia eating peppermint if I ever get more aiptasia.

 

[rockfanmidsouth]

Thanks everyone - I would rather have something that "eats" the problem but I may try "juicing" the next one I find just because I would hate for the shrimp to start munching on my coral... lol

 

[reeferman1128]

It too used peps. I tried the needle but was way to much work. I put three peps in a 55 and the aptasia we gone in about a week. They then started going after my blasto. I removed 2 of the 3. There seems to be enough to keep the one busy where he doesnt bother any of my corals. my fingers are crossed though.

 

[HurricaneSystem]

I have never had any luck with Peppermint Shrimp. I just used a 3cc syringe and needle today on some. I used distilled white vinegar and injected the majano/Aiptasia. Seems to have worked like a charm.

Before:

After:

 

[ihavtats29]

the only way peppermint shrimp are going to get rid of your aptasia is by not feeding them if you are feeding your fish the shrimp will be full and will not eat the aptasia, the above pics are a nice example of majano not aptasia , good luck with the removal of those pests the best way to rid your self of them is to pull the rock from your tank and scrape off the buggers leave no trace of flesh from them behind, everyone claims that injecting hem does the job but guess what they keep having to inject them every few weeks to monthly to keep up with the larve they expell into the water when they feel like they are in danger. every time you mess with them they will produce more..... leave no trace behind and your will be rid of those pests

 

[Rendos]

Everyone has a different experience with each of the methods of eradicating these pests. Peppermint shrimp have always worked for me for aiptasia but not for majano. I inject Seachem Balance for majano. Aiptasia eating filefish will eat aiptasia, but may also munch on some of your corals. The juice injection methods work, but it is not a one time treatment. You have to repeat it as often as you see pests in your tank, but it will eventually work. Aiptaser is similar. It is not going to be a one tap zap and you never see them again. It is going to be an ongoing thing that you must do.

 

[rockfanmidsouth]

I have never had any luck with Peppermint Shrimp. I just used a 3cc syringe and needle today on some. I used distilled white vinegar and injected the majano/Aiptasia. Seems to have worked like a charm.

Before:

After:

Thanks - great pics

 

[rockfanmidsouth]

Everyone has a different experience with each of the methods of eradicating these pests. Peppermint shrimp have always worked for me for aiptasia but not for majano. I inject Seachem Balance for majano. Aiptasia eating filefish will eat aiptasia, but may also munch on some of your corals. The juice injection methods work, but it is not a one time treatment. You have to repeat it as often as you see pests in your tank, but it will eventually work. Aiptaser is similar. It is not going to be a one tap zap and you never see them again. It is going to be an ongoing thing that you must do.

Thanks for the info - guess its a personal preference thing as far as removing/managing it. Found another this afternoon - may try a pep - always looking for an excuse to swing by the store and check out the new arrivals - lol