The only time I any luck with peppermints is in my smaller tanks. When I started keeping larger tanks (120+) the pepps didn't have much effect and quickly became a fish treat. I also agree that the chemical methods just seem to spread the problem instead of curing it. Although I still use a kalk paste to rid the tank of the larger ones or at least break them down into smaller individuals.
I tried the nudis (thanks salty), but they may have also became fish treats. I am not really sure on that one I haven't seen any for about 3 weeks, but it is a large tank. I would like to try breeding a few in the fuge or maybe a seperate tank, but didn't think about that when I received them. I slipped 20 into the tank under the cover of darkness and theywent right after the aptasia immediately. Unforunately, I have a few fish in the tank they may or may not hunt them down so I am not sure if there are any left.
I have had a CCB in the tank for about a year now who is a model citizen who doesn't bother any corals or inverts and has no taste what so ever for aptasia. Out of sheer frustration and a large infestation of aptasia I decided to add a few more butterflys. I have recently added a small pearlscale and a medium raccoon to the tank. The pearlscale picks at the rocks all day long, but I am not sure about the aptasia. The raccoon is eating the aptasia so hopefully he will keep it up and solve the problem. I am also encouraged that since adding the new butterflys, my CBB has started to pick at the rockwork. So I am holding my breath that these three may finally solve the problem.
On the downside, the pearlscale likes xenia and one of the new additions likes Zoas. I guess it is a trade off. If they will clear the tank of aptasia, I will put up with the small loss of corals. They haven't bothered the LPS, mushrooms, leathers or clams they can stay as long as they behave.
