Need Help- Aptasia, Hydroids or Red Star Polyps?

[lightngsvt]

Wasn't sure where to post this? I have a 100g FOWLR tank that has been running for close to 14 years now! I recently noticed 3 or 4 colonies of polyps on a few rocks at the top of the tank. In the past I had Aptasia, added a Scat and he took care of that. I have NOT added anything recently other than a few Hermit Crabs and Turbo snails and Black Fin "shark".

My local LFS thinks its red star polyps and not dangerous but will spread. From doing some research I think they might be Hydroids, which seem alot worse. The LFS recommends a Chocolate Chip Star as they think it will eat the polyps. Not sure what to do next?

 

[lightngsvt]

They are very tiny and will retract into their tube if touched.

 

[caribfan]

Most butterflies will take care of a problem like this.

 

[lightngsvt]

Thanks, I might have to add a Butterfly to the tank. The LFS recommended a Chocolate Chip Starfish for some reason, while he is cool he hasn't touched the polyps.

 

[Daddi0]

Perhaps lights out for several weeks?

 

[lightngsvt]

I've cut down on my feedings, got a new skimmer and have cut my lights back to about 5 hours per day. I was thinking of going dark for a few days, but am concerned how this will affect my fish?

 

[Daddi0]

As I understand, and I could be wrong. Fish don't require lights. If it is a fish only tank, why are the polyps a problem?
Cheers! Mark

 

[olemiss reb]

Look like colonial hydroids. Lights out won't do anything if so. I've had Peppermint shrimp eat them but they're hit or miss whether they will.

 

[rvareef]

+1 colonial hydroids

 

[lightngsvt]

Will a Butterfly eat them? Or best to try a Peppermint shrimp? Or, best to just take the couple of rock out that have them and trash the rock? It is a fish-only tank, but dont want these things taking over!

 

[caribfan]

I’d go butterfly route. Something halfway easy and cheap, maybe a raccoon.

 

[lightngsvt]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll stop by the LFS today and see what my options are.