Aptasia treatment

[gordie72]

So I have a bit of an aptasia problem. Not a huge one, but annoying enough. I suspect I know the answers to these questions, but I'm going to ask anyway. How can I get rid of them? Will peppermint shrimp bother my RBTA? (they're hit or miss anyway, I know.) Copperband butterfly? Will I poison my poor nem with Aptasia X? Any other ideas I don't know about? Help!

 

[gordie72]

bump. I have an opportunity to get a Copperband Butterfly, but I'm afraid he will bother my RBTA. Please help

 

[Foxface210]

Not sure a CBB is the best solution. Once the aptasia is gone, the CBB will have a difficult time adapting. Peppermints are hit or miss like you said but the ones from our shore (NC/SC) are pretty much a sure thing. See if you can find someone local to grab you some wild caught peps before it starts getting cold. I restock my tank with NC peps every year and they keep it all in check.

Aside from Aptasia X, you can use pickling lime. Get some Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime from the grocery store. Take 2 tables spoons of the powder and mix it with some R/O water until it's just past a 'paste' in terms of consistency. Use a syringe and inject it into the mouths of the aptasia just like you would Aptasia X. Does a great job and doesn't harm much as long as you don't dump a bunch into your tank.

 

[gordie72]

Thanks Foxface. I didn't know peps were native to the Carolina coast. How/where can I get some myself? Who couldn't use another trip to the beach? . Aptasia X is just spreading them and I'm afraid that kalk paste will do the same

 

[Foxface210]

I've never personally collected them because I live more inland and catching peps is not something the family really looks forward to when we're heading to the beach.

Some reefers local to the shore say that you can get them in the taller grassy areas and near the rocks and posts at the end of docs. Has to be tidal type areas with lower flow. (Meaning, not really on 'the beach').

I would suggest QTing before adding them to your tank. I've never had any issues with them but you know how that goes. The one time you don't do it... there's an issue.

Do you know any reefers close to the shore? If not, PM me and I'll see if I can you connected to someone in SC that collects them. I always trade them a few frags or something for their time but they're not into collecting and selling them or anything.

 

[saltysticks]

peps will do it. I collected more than i can count and i used to have a tank that was full of them, anytime i would get new lr i would put it in there and the would destroy the tasia. usually the smaller ones are more likely to go after it.

 

[gordie72]

PM sent, Foxface. And thanks for the vote Salty. However, the fundamental question remains unanswered; will the Pepps bother my RBTA? Anyone? Bueller?