dip for coral

[jedheuer]

hey guys,

What do you all use for dipping coral to avoid introducing pests to your tank? Is there a catch all dip I could use or should I use different stuff for different corals/potential pests?

Thanks.

 

[shaneh]

i use melaflex, i think it's called.....may be spelled wrong. white bottel with a blue cap. I have been lucky so far. except the apitasia

 

[Reef Bass]

My new acquisition regimen:

1. Scrutinize for obvious signs of infection - bite marks, eggs, receding tissue, etc.

2. Dip in an iodine preparation, either povidone from the drugstore (2.5-3.5ml/l for 15-25 minutes) or Tropic Marin Pro Coral Cure (1 pump per 200ml for 15 minutes) mixed with reef water in a small plastic tub (old margarine container). Agitate frag vigorously to dislodge pests and debris.

3. Transfer to another container with just reef water and soak to rinse 5-15 minutes. Agitate frag vigorously to dislodge pests and debris.

4. Transfer to another container holding reef water mixed with Marine Melafix (10ml/l for 5 minutes). Agitate frag vigorously to dislodge pests and debris.

5. Transfer to another container with just reef water and soak to rinse 5-15 minutes. Agitate frag vigorously to dislodge pests and debris.

6. Place in tank.

7. Frequently stop and scrutinize new piece when walking by tank until novelty wears off.

 

[crispyreef]

I like it Ken. The marine melafix has worked very well for me. It's what got rid of my AEFW. When I did water changes I used to treat the bucket and dip whole rocks in and soak for at least 5 minutes while I would blast with a baster. That is another story though. I don't trust iodine as a only dip method because it is not as aggressive as other products. Also, If I get a frag on a plug I break it off and throw it away. I dip the cutting and reglue it to a "clean" plug. This helps avoid unwanted algae, eggs, and anything else. I would rather nearly kill a coral than put an undipped frag in my tank.

 

[jedheuer]

good stuff guys. I need to get a regimen going now that I am getting more corals and adding them to an established tank... been tempting fate to long

 

[northbay-reefer]

Also Iodine for sps is ok but plating monti doesn't like to be dip for very long at all.

I do all of that plus an overnight soak in tank water with interceptor. I think I will now add another step and use lavemisol too for flat worms.