brain coral at lfs in tank with redbugs and nudibranchs

[seafansar]

I already asked this in the sps forum, but was wondering if anyone knew what was safe for LPS's here.

There is a brain coral at the lfs that I've been wanting to buy. The only problem is that it's in a tank that's full of red bugs and montipora eating nudibranchs. I have acroporas and montiporas in my tank, and don't want to introduce any nasty pests. I have interceptor for the red bugs. Is it safe for LPS's? Also what can I dip it in that's safe for LPS's and will kill nudibranchs? Any other dips I should know about? I may be able to set up a QT tank with some T5's too.

Thanks in advance!

 

[roblack]

Don't do it! I wouldn't introduce any pests of the sort into my tank for any coral, and a brain certainly is not worth it. While LPS are not harmed by redbugs and nudis, they certainly could be transferred from an infected tank to yours via another coral in that system (could be on the rock underneath the coral as creatures move about in the tank). IMO leave the brain to the pest tank and find another source.

A dip and then subsequent QT tank would be the only other option. You would have to do an Interceptor dip for the Redbugs, and could do TMPCC to deal with the nudis. Then several weeks in the QT tank. Still don't recc it though, why introduce a coral from a known infected source to your thriving SPS tank? I have nightmares about stuff like this all the time and work hard to avoid. If you need help finding cool brains LMK. Where are you located in FL? Can also direct you to several trustworthy and professional online vendors.

 

[seafansar]

PM'ed

 

[fittiger]

Why would a LFS continue to sell any corals or any other livestock out of this tank? I would not support any store that knowingly sold livestock to customers from any kind of known pest infected tank. I don't imagine most general hobbiests know what to look for and if trading is done this just worsens the problem in the hobby in general.

Shame on that LFS! Thats just lazy and poor business.

 

[seafansar]

Well they don't normally sell thing out of that tank. I had to beg the lady to sell me the brain, but that was before I knew the tank was infected. They are trying to fix the problem with pipe fish, but it doesn't seem to be working. I did hear them try and sell a duncan out of the tank to someone else, so I guess shame on them. Otherwise they are very nice people.

 

[sfsuphysics]

pipefish won't work, interceptor will kill the red bugs, and pull the montis out and the nudibranchs will die off. If you MUST have the coral and can't wait definitely setup a QT and stick your coral in there for a month or so, everything should be dead without a food source by then.

 

[seafansar]

Thanks Mike. I'm slowly convincing my boyfriend that we don't need the coral. He love's its color and swears he hasn't seen it anywhere else. It's a maze brain with tan ridges and turquoise indents.

 

[roblack]

PM sent. Post pics of the coral and I will try to see if I can find something like it or better, but healthy and pest free. Have you checked Jendub.com? I bet they have a better brain, and very reputable dealer. I see this as a challenge to find a better brain for ya'll!

 

[seafansar]

Haha...thanks! I looked at Jendub. Very cool stuff! Now I want even more corals for my tank! But they didn't have one like the brain. I'll take a picture next time I go.

 

[seafansar]

Looks greener in the picture.

[/IMG]

 

[roblack]

Found an oullophyllia that looks better, pm sent.

Found an oullophyllia that looks better, pm sent.

Unable to post link so will PM you about nice coral like the one you posted, but bigger!