My own AEFW (Acro Eating Flatworms) images
- Thread starter melev
- Start date
melev
Well-known member
Tutmos, if you are asking me about an update, I can say that I've not seen any trace of AEFW in my tank in at least 6 months. I think they are long gone.
However, my beautiful Tyree frag should aptly be named Medusa, as it is turning to stone. I had some strange tips growing out from the normal branches, and when I took the coral out to cut off those odd areas, they were much too hard, like cutting a tooth or something. This is what I would call a <i>stony</i> coral compared to any I've had in the past. I don't know what is going on with it, but the last bits of tissue are dwindling away and the entire thing is just becoming a calcified skeleton.
I hate losing it, and I guess I'll have to get another one. I've had it just over 2 years, even with all the issues (PO4, AEFW, redbugs, temperature swings, changes in salt brands...)
There is no definitive proof that acro crabs consume and remove AEFW from their host colonies.
However, my beautiful Tyree frag should aptly be named Medusa, as it is turning to stone. I had some strange tips growing out from the normal branches, and when I took the coral out to cut off those odd areas, they were much too hard, like cutting a tooth or something. This is what I would call a <i>stony</i> coral compared to any I've had in the past. I don't know what is going on with it, but the last bits of tissue are dwindling away and the entire thing is just becoming a calcified skeleton.
I hate losing it, and I guess I'll have to get another one. I've had it just over 2 years, even with all the issues (PO4, AEFW, redbugs, temperature swings, changes in salt brands...)
There is no definitive proof that acro crabs consume and remove AEFW from their host colonies.
Last edited:
Stoney Mahony
New member
I havent seen any pests since my first treatment. Havent lost any corals, all of the Valida branches I fragged are fully encrusted on the plugs and have shot up new branches. I can't post any pics b/c I am at work but Ill put some up later tonight 
Dudester
Premium Member
It's interesting how RC was literally painted with people's corals being killed by AEFW 6 months ago, and now there are few new posts. I wonder if people are no longer complaining or reporting their infestations, or instead if this plague is running its course. I'm hoping for the latter, and this may be a function of smarter reefkeeping with proper dips and/or quarantine.
Stoney Mahony
New member
Good observation, I was thinking the same thing
. I hope that the #'s are dropping but I will tell you that I have had about 30-35 different people PM me over the last 6 months for instructions on how to treat for AEFW. QT is a must now a days. Stoney Mahony
New member
Here is my 55 as of a week or so ago:
Here is one of the Valida frags:
- your tanks lookin good Mel(as always!)
Here is one of the Valida frags:
- your tanks lookin good Mel(as always!)
melev
Well-known member
No, I never used Levamisole. I used Iodine first to determine what I was dealing with, and then later Betadine to treat the coral twice. Later I used the Fluke tabs after Stony Mahoney played guinea pig for me.
The Fluke Tabs are the better option in my opinion.
For dipping, I'd start with Iodine to see what's on the coral. Or Tropic Marine's Pro Coral Cure (TMPCC) if you can get some.
The Fluke Tabs are the better option in my opinion.
For dipping, I'd start with Iodine to see what's on the coral. Or Tropic Marine's Pro Coral Cure (TMPCC) if you can get some.
Kolognekoral
New member
Marc,
I think your little Acro is getting stung by the surrounding corals! Especially the Euphyllia, which can be very aggressive. Move it to try and save it.
I think your little Acro is getting stung by the surrounding corals! Especially the Euphyllia, which can be very aggressive. Move it to try and save it.
melev
Well-known member
I think the problem in this case ended up being low salinity. After recalibrating my refractometer, salinity was 1.022sg instead of 1.026sg. Everything else tests out perfectly, so unless I have some kind of bacterial infection in my reef, I can't explain why some corals don't make it.
THEKIDSTA1
New member
Hey whats up guys and gals...I have a similar problem however i diped the coral in reef dip disinfectant..which is pure iodine to me i guess...anyway and blasted it with a turkey baster...nothing no flatworms..however i did see faintly several red specks...could this be red bugs???..any one have a pic of a redbug...it kind of looked like cyclopeeze...but smaller...i'll do my best to take pics and post...
THEKIDSTA1
New member
oh ok cool....any one have a pic of a redbug??
also what do you think all of the red specks after dipping the acro could be??
the thing just started to bleach and then it stopped,,,my alk was a bit high so it could of been that....
Does anyone have a pic of the eggs. I got the little basterds but haven't been able to see any eggs. I lugoled them to get the majority of the live guys off the corals and inspected them pretty close but still could not see any eggs. I have taken all acros out and put them in a 48x36x10 frag tank and am going to "luke" them today if I can find the tablets.
