Help with chaeto hitchhiker ID ??

[SaltLifeCam]

I got a small bunch of chaeto for my AQ70 mod refugium. I noticed this anemene-looking thing on a piece of it. I'm clearly not an expert but I think it may be aiptasia? Should I leave it in or take it out? (Whatever it is)
Please help! Thanks.

Note: tank is a little less than 3 months, I have a CB shrimp, yellow watchman goby, and a firefish plus cleaner crew. Live aragonite sand, live rock, AQ mod filter/fuge, current led lighting.

 

[MondoBongo]

aiptasia

 

[tzylak]

Definitely aiptasia.
In defense of this creature I have ONE peppermint shrimp that takes care of it very well. For some mysterious (yet typical) reason the pep will eat all the other aiptasia leaving ONE unharmed. Well, that plant now is over 2" in diameter and has a fascinating eating behavior.
Before freaking out, get a pep and enjoy watching the nature do its thing.
Have fun!

 

[SaltLifeCam]

Thanks for the input.
Can I have a peppermint shrimp in along with the coral banded shrimp? Also, it's in the fuge only so should I put a small shrimp in there with the chaeto for a little?
I think I would rather just pull the thing out before it gets out of control (no other corals yet but I plan on adding them soon)

 

[ericarenee]

i say pull it out and toss it. Watch for more to pop up and if they do then get a shrimp...

 

[nuxx]

Yeah get rid of all the Chaeto, unless you already have aiptasia...

 

[SaltLifeCam]

Get rid of all of it?? I don't have any in the DT and I only notice 1 in the chaeto ball. Still remove it all, to be safe?

I assume I shouldn't buy chaeto from there next time?

 

[nuxx]

Get rid of all of it?? I don't have any in the DT and I only notice 1 in the chaeto ball. Still remove it all, to be safe?

I assume I shouldn't buy chaeto from there next time?

Seems with Aiptasia, if they're one, there's many...

 

[SaltLifeCam]

Got it, took it all out. Not taking chances!
1 last thing, when I took it out a few pieces escaped and made it to the DT! I'm sure the filter will get them eventually, but do I need to worry about them?

Sorry if I'm asking dumb questions but if I never ask I'll never know xP

Thanks

 

[RDtrack]

You should be alright. If you need more just go on your local reef forum and ask for it there are plenty of reefers that just throw it away. No need to pay a bunch for it.

 

[jminick2]

I had some aiptasia in chaeto I got from LA, ended up taking it all out, now I have three aiptasia in my sump.... this was a few months ago nothing has spread to my DT.

 

[mwilliam]

Aptaisia isn't that big of deal, honestly. Get a little aptaisia x and nuke a handful a week. Soon there won't be any left. If you're having a hard time controlling the population, you might be over feeding.

I would be cautious of the peppermint shrimp if you like LPS corals. Some go rogue and pick at your meaty flesh. And they are buggers to catch. But I loved my peppermint before that.