I did something really stupid...

[minimalist]

First let me say that I'm new to SPS (less than 1 week of experience).

I got a blue tort yesterday (~2") from a local reefer in exchange for a welsi colony. Anyhow, today, while examining it, I found "red bugs". Before consulting reefcentral.com, I devised my own idiotic remedy.

I proceeded to run the frag underneath tap water for a good 5 seconds hoping to wash the bugs off. :sad1: D'oh! Obviously, the tissue is noticably damaged.

I've sinced researched the topic and got my hands on some Interceptor. I plan on treating the system with that tomorrow.

Here's a picture of the coral one hour after the "fresh water incident". It slimed for about a half hour afterwards. Please cast your vote regarding the coral's chance of survival.

Thank you.

 

[minimalist]

Keep 'em coming, please.

 

[Gobie]

I think you have a chance to save that frag the slime probably protected the polyps.

I am going to get beat up, but I want to give my experience with the ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œred bugsââ"šÂ¬Ã‚. I had gotten a 1" frag of try color acropora four years ago covered with red bugs. Now I have three large colonies and few small ones started. They all have the bugs they all have good color and good growth. I have green slimmer and another stag horn in the tank, they donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t have it for some reason. I have seen no damage caused by these bugs. There are pictures of the acropora in my gallery if you want to look.

O... and I want to add I may be wrong. Itââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s just one kind of acropora with bugs in my tank. This acropora may be able to coexist with the bugs. Who knows?

Good luck

 

[minimalist]

Thank you. The polyps are starting to extend. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[jun41]

Polyps coming out are a good sign. Just sit back and wait now.

 

[drake66]

:lol:

 

[minimalist]

I'll update with a new pic tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Horace]

I would say polyp extension is a darn good sign.

 

[MrPike]

You said your new to sps, assuming this is your only frag in your tank, or that you have very few. I would put this fragment in QT and treat it for red bugs there. Dont put it back in your main tank for at least 5 days, this is how long it takes for red bugs(Tegastes acroporanus) to die without a host. The reason for this is inteceptor is pretty harsh on some of the beneficial life in your sand and liverock.

 

[Uel]

My experience is it's a goner. A low salinity dip for 5 seconds will chase the red bugs and other pests off. 1/4 cup of salt to 1 gallon of ro water. This works and doesn't stress the coral tissue. Freshwater dips are baaaadd news for sps corals.

 

[pk1]

You may be fine, there are many picture's and reports of whole coral reefs exposed at low tide, They get full sun, wind, extreme temps and rain, with no ill effects. With that said, I don't think it was a good idea lol.

 

[minimalist]

One hour after the incident:

The next day:

Looking better, I think.

 

[Wiskey]

I agree, it does look better. I think you may be in the clear .

Whiskey

 

[minimalist]

I'll post an updated pic tomorrow at around 5:00 PM. I REALLY hope this thing pulls through.

 

[jun41]

It didn't get worse so maybe it'll get better!

 

[ssbreef]

should be just fine....Now it all depends on your system.

 

[MiddletonMark]

I'd strongly suggest taking a slower, more cautious approach next time.

Like mentioned earlier - a QT is a far more assured method of red bug removal.

Also as mentioned earlier, some folks have had red bugs for a while without significant issues with them. I know I waited 4 months to treat after finding some of my Acropora heavily infested ... didn't lose a one.

Just my take, hope it pulls through.

 

[ErikS]

Another question *cough* where did you get said piece?

Did you post on the local forum so we all know who to avoid & can practice good containment?

 

[minimalist]

The person I got the piece from is now aware of the bugs and isn't going to give out any more acro frags until they're dealt with. He doesn't frequent RC.com anyhow.

Bad news... Today the coral looks worse than yesterday. Do you think I should just let it be or frag the top which seems to be the healthiest part?

One hour after incident:

The next day:

Two days after:

:sad1:

 

[minimalist]

The polyps are almost fully extended but the color is fading. I'm not sure what to make of this. Any and all input is appreciated.