If I had red bugs would I know it?

[REEF-DADDY]

I had a piece that had "something" crawling around on it. I was keeping a close eye on the coral because it always had great polyp extension but growth had slowed and extension was nil. I was not able to determine if it was red bugs but I did interceptor dip the coral and growth has picked up but polyp extension is still poor. I am noticing the same trend in my tank, poor polyp extension. I've gone over a few frags for bugs but not found any. Growth is good, color OK not signs of STN/RTN. Could I have Red bugs but not know it, i mean would I be able to see them? I have interceptor ready to go, but worry about my pods and shrimp. Could I have red bugs but not see them on a single piece?

P.S.
Do do have 2 drawf angels that could be my problem as well

 

[raddogz]

You can see red bugs somewhat easily, and they move like aphids on a plant.

It may be flatworms.

 

[REEF-DADDY]

If it was flat worms would I see damage?

 

[sangraal]

I never saw any in my tank until I switched from 20K's to 10K bulbs. It was a common trend, new frags (tank only has frags) started to encrust and grow and just stop growing polyp extension was minimal to nil, they didn't STN just frozen in time and turned dark brown. After six months on 20K thought maybe a lower Kelvin bulb may help growth, bam there I started seeing red bugs. Two treatments later the frags have sprung back to full polyp extension and I could see visible growth from day to day.
If you had red bugs and did an interceptor dip you would have seen them jump out of the frag, It is hard to miss them. If not, maybe something else is a problem. I believe from what I have read flatworms pretty much kill the acro, red bugs just seem to irritate them.

 

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7704737#post7704737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sangraal
I never saw any in my tank until I switched from 20K's to 10K bulbs. It was a common trend, new frags (tank only has frags) started to encrust and grow and just stop growing polyp extension was minimal to nil, they didn't STN just frozen in time and turned dark brown. After six months on 20K thought maybe a lower Kelvin bulb may help growth, bam there I started seeing red bugs. Two treatments later the frags have sprung back to full polyp extension and I could see visible growth from day to day.
If you had red bugs and did an interceptor dip you would have seen them jump out of the frag, It is hard to miss them. If not, maybe something else is a problem. I believe from what I have read flatworms pretty much kill the acro, red bugs just seem to irritate them.

I just went ahead and mixed up a vodka martini for me and an interceptor pill for the tank. For the risk/reward ratio I figure its worth it. We shall see..............

 

[DarkXerox]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7704843#post7704843 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REEF-DADDY
I just went ahead and mixed up a vodka martini for me and an interceptor pill for the tank. For the risk/reward ratio I figure its worth it. We shall see..............

That's the best idea I have heard all week

I think I'll do the same right now since it is hot outside. Now I just have to find the interceptor and my shaker lol.