New Montipora - FW dipping?

[NaughtyCashew]

Hey guys,

I just got some new digitatas in today and was wondering if I should freshwater/iodine dip it before putting it in my main display. I noticed it has these barnacle like things in the coral peeking out and grabbing food. I was wondeirng if the dip would kill them, or if they were even a cause for concern at all.

I kind of figured my six-line might eventually take care of them.

Thanks!

 

[bennyinca]

don't FW dip the corals, it will stress out the coral too much.
But you can dip in a mix SW with some coral dip solution (like lugols or tech-d).

 

[Kurt448]

The barnacles are common and harmless. What you should be more concerned about are the monti eating nudibranchs. Look for any receeded spots on the coral. If there are, it could be a sign of the nudis.

 

[NaughtyCashew]

Do you guys think I should dip them then? I don't see any signs of the nudis...

 

[Kenfuzed]

I dip ALL coral, no matter how good they look. I do a 3 part dip before a coral ever goes in my tank. After accilmating the coral to my tank's water via a drip line into a bucket, I do the follow dips.
1. Tank water with Salifert Flatworm eXit (4x dose). Let the coral soak for 30 minutes. Stir often or use a small powerhead.
2. Tank water with Lugols Iodine. I don't measure, just make the water look like iced tea. Baste the coral with a turkey baster while in this dip to blow off any hitchikers. I only do the Iodine dip for 5-10 minutes.
3. Plain tank water to wash off any remaining iodine or dead hitchikers.

Afterwards I clean all the things used while dipping (basters, powerheads, buckets) with tap water and then pure vinegar. If possible keep these things from being used on your main tank so you don't introduce anything back in.

Using this dip method I've yet to have any redbugs, montipora nudis, or acro flatworms. While some of these can only be treated with special things like Interceptor or medications, precautionary dipping can help keep most bad stuff out.

BTW, never dip coral in FW. That may work for fish but many coral will bleach or experience tissue damage when dipped in FW.

JMHO

 

[NaughtyCashew]

Thanks Kenfused! I'll have to get some Flatworm exit for the future. Gonna go dip em w/ some Lugols.