Identify and control of these

[NZbrits]

I am new to reef tanks and corals. My tank is now overgrown by these. What are they and how do I control them.

 

[melvinakshay]

You must really like anemones

These are Aiptasia. Hmm borrow a file fish and buy a few peppermint shrimp... or just use chemicals.

 

[NZbrits]

Thanks. I guess I will need a few shrimp.

 

[melvinakshay]

I would just take that rock out and burn it. Don't scrub it out as it will just multiply. A CBB/peppermint shrimp are you best bet. I would also recommend Aiptasia X but thats too much work.

 

[NZbrits]

went looking for peppermint shrimp and the store does not know when they will have. so have resorted to Aiptasia X. With the tank so full of these How many would you think is safe to tackle with the chemicals

 

[jccaclimber]

I had great luck with berghia nudibranchs. It took a month or two for the population to get to the point that they eliminated the pest, but I haven't seen a single aiptasia pop up since then. I was also able to sell them locally when I was done, although you'll want to leave at least one in the tank to be sure it gets the last of them.

 

[melvinakshay]

went looking for peppermint shrimp and the store does not know when they will have. so have resorted to Aiptasia X. With the tank so full of these How many would you think is safe to tackle with the chemicals

I would start with one and then just buy a refill kit if you need more. You do have a lot of them so I'm guessing a couple of bottles should do it. Btw, one application will not kill all of them so be prepared for doing this as soon as you seen new ones.

 

[melvinakshay]

I had great luck with berghia nudibranchs. It took a month or two for the population to get to the point that they eliminated the pest, but I haven't seen a single aiptasia pop up since then. I was also able to sell them locally when I was done, although you'll want to leave at least one in the tank to be sure it gets the last of them.

Yes this would be the best option as that is their sole diet... but they are so expensive :eek2:

 

[NZbrits]

Did some reading on berghia nudibranchs. For one I think I will be lucky to separate them out of my tank once introduced. Also wondering if they would be able to coexist with black spiny urchins and hermit crabs. From what I read I think they should...

Called the aquarist at the store and they have never sold them. So out of luck there.

 

[leveldrummer]

Did some reading on berghia nudibranchs. For one I think I will be lucky to separate them out of my tank once introduced. Also wondering if they would be able to coexist with black spiny urchins and hermit crabs. From what I read I think they should...

Called the aquarist at the store and they have never sold them. So out of luck there.

order them online and have them shipped to you. It will be well worth the money to get rid of that many aptaisia.

 

[NZbrits]

Will try importing. Thanks.

 

[jccaclimber]

Did some reading on berghia nudibranchs. For one I think I will be lucky to separate them out of my tank once introduced. Also wondering if they would be able to coexist with black spiny urchins and hermit crabs. From what I read I think they should...

Called the aquarist at the store and they have never sold them. So out of luck there.

I had no issues with my hermits, I'm not sure about the urchin. If you spend any decent amount of time looking at your tank you'll end up seeing them crawl around. At that point you just get a pipette with the end cut off, suck them up in to a cup, and drive them to the LFS or wherever to sell them. If you need to store them longer a breeder net should keep them captive, but make sure they don't go more than a day or two without eating.

 

[gr3]

I vote for the peppermint shrimp. I tried the chemicals and the nudibranchs too. They all work, but I would rank the shrimp as the best at totally eliminating them from my tank, which they did.

 

[northernreefe]

I agree with the peppermint. Once they are done the aptasia they can stay happy in your tank on whatever you feed you fish. The nudibrachs eat aptasia exclusively so once they are done they can easily starve to death, bummer.