drummereef's 180g in-wall build

[aquaph8]

Brett....FWIW, and I am sure you are going to get TONS of advice here on the forum, but I have had tremendous results on two separate tanks using Aiptsia Eating File fish. they do work and you just have to be patient while they seek the Aiptsia over food. Some take to it quicker than others, but is DOES work from my personal experience. And FAR this expensive than your other options.

HTH and good luck............

Brett, I second this. It takes them a little time but one day you'll look and be surprised at how they all disappeared. I've never seen my file eat an aiptasia but they're all gone. My file will also nip the SPS a little but nothing too bad.

 

[worm5406]

I like the invisible rock.

Can you send me some.

 

[Pife]

Happy your back. Your thread has helped so many people.

 

[cromedogg33]

Very interesting guys, thanks for the heads up. What's everyone's thoughts about a Copperband?

Stop wasting time and get one. Best decision I ever made with aiptasia. I bought a medium sized one and within 2 weeks the tank was spotless of them. Big or small it didn't matter. It tackled one aiptasia that was possibly 6 inches tall.

Mine took to PE Mysis along the way too without many problems. I had it in my tank for 2 years before I took it down.

Just remember you aren't the only one with problems

Just started my 180 back up after not having a tank for a little over a year. Good luck and I hope to keep you around this time. I need the support system as much as you!

 

[CoralFiend]

I have had a medium sized Copperband in my 140 for 5-6 years. I have aiptasia in my overflows and in my sump - but ZERO in my display tank. He doesn't disturb anything else that I have in my tank. He eats mysis, PE mysis, brine shrimp and just about any meaty food that is small enough for him to get in his mouth. Not a timid feeder at all. I have a Blue Jaw Trigger in the same tank and they are the two most aggressive eaters when I feed.

I have also used a Copperband in my old 75 with the same results for another 5-6 years. They are my go-to solution for aiptasia. Maybe I have been lucky, but aiptasia control is just something that I do not worry about anymore.

 

[drummereef]

UPDATE:

You guys are seriously awesome. Truly. Thank you for all the help, advice, and contribution to this thread. :thumbsup:


A little, well BIG update for you... My little Filefish friend has been hard at work when I wasn't looking. It's been a busy few weeks so I honestly haven't been micromanaging the tank. But before I knew it, they were gone... Yes, GONE!!! Like done, vamoose, skedaddle, begone! I swore nothing was happening and then all of a sudden a few nights ago I noticed I couldn't find any Aiptasias! Well, I found ONE . He must be leaving it for desert. :lol: Here's some pics.

Sand bed is clean, besides the detritus and cyano. lol

The underside of the eggcrate used to be covered. Now, none!

The frogspawn used to be an Aiptasia farm. Now, not even one.

The only visible Aiptasia I can find is this guy hiding in the Spongodes. :hammer:

My HERO. :love2:

 

[biecacka]

Brett, glad that guy was able to wipe them out for you buddy.

Corey

 

[danielmitchell]

so u get a cool fish and an aptasia solution all in one, nice

 

[shaggss]

That's awesome Brett. Glad to see you back and very glad some luck is going your way!

 

[d2mini]

Great news, Brett!

 

[worm5406]

Very glad to hear that. It really did a good job!

 

[iced98lx]

VERY nice Brett. What happens with the file fish now? I assume you need to keep him to keep the numbers low, does he eat other things that you feed?

SUPER excited for you sir, that is such great news! I look forward to the rockscaping now!

 

[drummereef]

Thanks guys! I'm going to keep the file fish in the tank as he's eating prepared foods. Seems to really like flake food which is good I guess.

Next step is to remove the existing sand bed (which I'm dreading but has to be done) and replace it with new sand. I think I've decided to use the Pukani rock that has been in my fuge for the display, instead of buying new rock and curing it - which would take months. It's never had any of the issues my other rock had and has some coralline and sponges already growing on it. I'm probably going to go even more minimalist this time around so I don't know if I'll even use all of it.

I can restock the fuge at a later time, or might try something different in there, not sure. Ideas are welcome as always!!

 

[drummereef]

And there you have it folks... Came down tonight to find this, c'est la vie to the last Aiptasia!!! GONE! :dance:

Here's the "before" shot if you don't believe me.

 

[worm5406]

Very nice. But humm... you have another problem. Inside that blank hole I see two eyes looking back at me.

All joking aside, good job. Keep an eye on that hole though. It looks like the Aiptasia that is in the bottom picture. That little ball on it looks like what I am calling eyes.

Shine a good light inside it and see.

I bought a majhano wand a week or so ago. I was using it on Aiptasia too, but the AptasiaX I got does a much better job!

Good growth on that too!

 

[Nanook]

Nice work!

 

[shaggss]

awesome!!!!

 

[reeftanknewbie]

Brett,

glad you are back and didn't give up. file fish are really cool fish who seem to have an appetite for aiptasia. I would be interested to see how he does long term on flake foods and whether or not he will go back to eating aiptasia again (although I am not hoping this will occur for you). Just me thinking out loud again. haha

 

[drummereef]

Thanks guys! Aiptasia are fully gone, haven't seen one since my last post. I will definitely keep you updated on the Filefish's progress eating prepared foods as well. I still plan on keeping him around as insurance. Big plans coming... Rock will be going in and new sand on the way!!

 

[iced98lx]

Thanks guys! Aiptasia are fully gone, haven't seen one since my last post. I will definitely keep you updated on the Filefish's progress eating prepared foods as well. I still plan on keeping him around as insurance. Big plans coming... Rock will be going in and new sand on the way!!

I trust we'll see pictures as the rockscape comes together......