Cleaning sea fans

[MichaelBrock]

I received two nice fans with my Part2 package. However, although they started out doing very well they are developing dead spots on them. At this point I'm fairly certain it's because they have snagged bits of hair algae that passed through them (or attempted to) with the current. What's the best way to clean off the algae? Will they stand up through a gentle brushing of my fingers through them to get the algae out or do I have to be a more delicate about it?

 

[liverock]

I received two nice fans with my Part2 package. However, although they started out doing very well they are developing dead spots on them. At this point I'm fairly certain it's because they have snagged bits of hair algae that passed through them (or attempted to) with the current. What's the best way to clean off the algae? Will they stand up through a gentle brushing of my fingers through them to get the algae out or do I have to be a more delicate about it?

They are pretty tough critters.....sometimes they will 'slough' off...shedding some skin.....I would not be concerned about truing to clean them....as that happens in the wild all the time!

sea ya
Richard TBS:rollface::rollface::rollface:

 

[Yogre]

One of the sea fans that I got in my CARE package had a couple of bare spots. Those have since healed up nicely.

Just a word of caution, though: DO NOT follow the advice on LiveAquaria's site about freshwater dipping your sea fans (or any other gorg). I wish I had asked Richard before I did it 'cuz I managed to kill a beautiful sea fan that way... it just fell apart and died.

Richard, I still owe you (and the forum) some pictures; I'm hoping to post them this week...:fun4:

 

[MichaelBrock]

I ended up removing some of the larger bits of algae. Both are still extending their polyps at least at parts so I have hope.

 

[liverock]

I ended up removing some of the larger bits of algae. Both are still extending their polyps at least at parts so I have hope.

That is a good sign....but remember...this is the ocean in your living room, things will come and go...is a natural progression....as in the wild environment....nothing lives forever, but your astute monitoring of your tank is a good thing...keep it up! If anything changes, visually.....is a good time to investigate it..

and as the Capt. said...freshwater is a bad idea.......like asking you to be put in a room of carbon dioxide....for anything, other than dipping fish in freshwater...for parasite control....I have seen benefits from that practice...

Richard TBS:rollface::rollface::rollface: