Is this an Anemone or something bad?

[Karthalin]

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I have a new tank, just put the live rock in last week. The rock was already cured and I transferred it from a tank with the same salt and temperature. So far all tests are good, almost no nitrate/nitrite, Salinity is 1.025 (I amtrying to lower it down to 1.024) and I have yet to test pH at home but the finacee had the water tested a ta local shop and the results were "good" (she forgot the number).

Anyway, I know nothing about tanks what so ever so I am hoping the online experts can help identify what this is.

When I touch it with the suction hose for water changes it shrinks back into the rock. Otherwise it just floats about in the current. One person suggested that its a tank weed and I need to get rid of it ASAP. Problem is that it shrinks back in and is going to be a pain to get out. Plus this person didnt know it shrunk back in on itself like an anemone. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[rtb388]

Aptasia Anenome... they are bad.. They can multiply quickly if not disposed of.

Get some Aptasia X and shoot it with a needle... and maybe add a couple peppermint shrimp... they will usually (not always) eat them and help keep them at bay



Do not try to get it with tweezers etc... if you tear it you will release spores and make more of them.

 

[mantis1437]

+1 on the Aptasia...they are bad....

 

[Karthalin]

Talked to the local shop and decided to go with a peppermint shrimp. Turns out I am being flown to Hawaii for two weeks for a work conference and wont be home to monitor the tank. I dont want to add any chemicals that I would have to check frequently that may or may not work. Nor do I have hte time to pull the rock at this point with everything else going on. I'm only having a friend stop by to top off water and check salinty/N2/Ph etc.. but thats about it. A shrimp should be good by himself, we'll see I guess.

He has some Aptasia X, I might try that as well in case the shrimp doesnt show any signs of eating it in the next few days.

Thanks for the quick responses!

 

[Gig 'em]

definitely aptasia. If that's the only one in there, I would just be safe and take the rock out and scrub the heck out of that part of the rock. If you leave it in there too long waiting and hoping for something to eat it or some chemical to work, it may replicate and then it'll be even harder to kill.

 

[rtb388]

aptasia x works instantly.. you use a needle that it comes with to inject the aptasia... it is safe and doesnt affect water chemistry.. or other corals... i use it almost every 3 weeks...

rock out and scrubbing wont work at all

see what the shrimp does... then take it from there

 

[windyridge]

If you can take the rock out, just shoot it with boiling water. I used a syringe and heavy gauge needle. Killed all 5 of mine instantly this way. You can also use a cup with a spout but syringe is best to minimize damage to the rest of the live rock inhabitants. Just watch them shrivel and melt away.

 

[Karthalin]

Aptasia x was used, it shriveled away and hasn't been seen since.

 

[elder luis]

it´s an aiptasia anemone, very bad, wipe it out before it´s too late... boiling water only on it can destroy definetly

 

[graciesdad]

Glad to hear that the Aptasia X worked. I think that it is a really good product.

 

[Anemone]

Do not try to get it with tweezers etc... if you tear it you will release spores and make more of them.

I agree that it was an Aiptasia, and glad you got rid of it. But I have to correct the statement made above - Aiptasia don't release "spores." They do, however, reproduce via pedal laceration, meaning small chunks of the base can develop into full formed clones of the parent. So, you don't want to try and dig the Aip out as you will almost invariably leave chunks behind, causing more than one clone to grow where originally there was only one anemone. Plus any pieces that float away during the removal can settle and form a new clone as well.

Kevin

 

[trueblackpercula]

Take the rock out and nuke it;-)