Crit21
Active member
Here's a thread based on my discussion with Eric Russell from the Wetwebmedia.com crew. I agree in principle with some of what he says--avoid chemical treatments if possible--but not the part about RB (or even FW) not being an issue. The polyps on my affected acros didn't extend, and they weren't looking all that great compared to the rest of the tank, or compared to what they used to. Once those acros died, they RB would be looking for another host. I haven't heard of RB just dying when other acros are available. My water parameters and general tank health are great, so I don't know whether his proposed solutions would have made a difference.
If I even remotely suspected RB, I would never give any kind of
frags to someone who had acros, nor would I have given acro frags to anyone whether they had acros or not. I don't think parasitic infestations are something to ignore.
There are obviously purists in this hobby who eschew "radical" or chemical approaches as much as some gardeners refuse to use pesticides. Others are more willing to consider alternatives. Since closed reef aquariums obviously can't duplicate nature (which is why we have to add things to control the balance), I think there are times that the non-purist method may be the only option to restore some kind of balance and control. Letting a RB or FW infestation run its course is not an option I would consider.
Anyway, here's the thread:
Original thread PART I:
Interceptor Treatment For Red Bugs - 11/13/06 I've searched the Internet and see that people recommend a 25% water change and carbon treatment after 6 hours of treatment with Interceptor.
*Personally, I would never have used this product or anything similar in my system*
Other than the effects on crustaceans (hermits, pods, etc.), I don't see a reason to do anything so soon after treatment. Why not change the water and add carbon after 12 or 24 hours to ensure maximum effectiveness, particularly since many people report RB recurrence after single treatments? *Why indeed...you have already damaged your system at this point*
I can't even find anecdotal evidence that supports the assertion that short treatments are the way to go. *I'm convinced that indiscriminate chemical biocides are "not" the way to go. Regards, EricR*
Original thread PART II:
RE: Interceptor Treatment For Red Bugs - 11/14/06 Thanks for the quick reply. *Quite welcome*
I totally agree with your sentiment regarding indiscriminate treatments, but having found no other high-probability control methods for red bug, I'm not sure there's an alternative. *Hmm, in my mind, the alternative is to not use the treatment. I'll admit my stand is "not popular" and that many, many hobbyists have used the Interceptor product...but to what detriment (long or short term) to their systems. Just because they don't see anything immediately wrong doesn't mean they haven't disturbed the "balance"*
They've definitely affected polyp extension on several of my Acros, and no sane person will trade frags with me as long as I have them. *To be honest, I think red bugs (like flatworms) are an overrated pest. Unfortunately you are experiencing the shortsightedness of most hobbyists re these critters. Any feared infestation could be avoided by QT/treatment of the individual frags before introduction to the display system...and any hobbyists not doing this as a matter of routine is only fooling themselves anyway if they think they will never have "problems" at some point just because they think they are dealing with "clean" systems*
Many of the Interceptor-alternative recommendations I've found are unsupported by proof (e.g., Why don't you try pipefish, six-line wrasses, Lugol's, voodoo?"). *Indeed...biological predators for "any" issue (Aiptasia, flatworms, etc.) are at best hit-and-miss*
Removing affected colonies doesn't remove all of the RB from the tank. *Agreed*
What would you recommend as a control method? *Mmm...patience, optimum water quality, adequate feeding, vitamin supplements...you'll likely find the "problem" will turn out to be "not so much" of a problem...though you'll still have trouble trading with your short-sighted hobby friends. I'll be honest with you, I have red bugs in my system and I don't give them a second thought. I think many times we as aquarist try to find something on which to blame our own shortcomings (e.g. - water quality/maintenance/husbandry/species incompatibility). I'm not saying this is the case with you, but those that see my tank (unless they know already) would never suspect I have red bugs. But like you, most will not trade with me once they are told...so be it *grin*. Regards, Eric Russell*
If I even remotely suspected RB, I would never give any kind of
frags to someone who had acros, nor would I have given acro frags to anyone whether they had acros or not. I don't think parasitic infestations are something to ignore.
There are obviously purists in this hobby who eschew "radical" or chemical approaches as much as some gardeners refuse to use pesticides. Others are more willing to consider alternatives. Since closed reef aquariums obviously can't duplicate nature (which is why we have to add things to control the balance), I think there are times that the non-purist method may be the only option to restore some kind of balance and control. Letting a RB or FW infestation run its course is not an option I would consider.
Anyway, here's the thread:
Original thread PART I:
Interceptor Treatment For Red Bugs - 11/13/06 I've searched the Internet and see that people recommend a 25% water change and carbon treatment after 6 hours of treatment with Interceptor.
*Personally, I would never have used this product or anything similar in my system*
Other than the effects on crustaceans (hermits, pods, etc.), I don't see a reason to do anything so soon after treatment. Why not change the water and add carbon after 12 or 24 hours to ensure maximum effectiveness, particularly since many people report RB recurrence after single treatments? *Why indeed...you have already damaged your system at this point*
I can't even find anecdotal evidence that supports the assertion that short treatments are the way to go. *I'm convinced that indiscriminate chemical biocides are "not" the way to go. Regards, EricR*
Original thread PART II:
RE: Interceptor Treatment For Red Bugs - 11/14/06 Thanks for the quick reply. *Quite welcome*
I totally agree with your sentiment regarding indiscriminate treatments, but having found no other high-probability control methods for red bug, I'm not sure there's an alternative. *Hmm, in my mind, the alternative is to not use the treatment. I'll admit my stand is "not popular" and that many, many hobbyists have used the Interceptor product...but to what detriment (long or short term) to their systems. Just because they don't see anything immediately wrong doesn't mean they haven't disturbed the "balance"*
They've definitely affected polyp extension on several of my Acros, and no sane person will trade frags with me as long as I have them. *To be honest, I think red bugs (like flatworms) are an overrated pest. Unfortunately you are experiencing the shortsightedness of most hobbyists re these critters. Any feared infestation could be avoided by QT/treatment of the individual frags before introduction to the display system...and any hobbyists not doing this as a matter of routine is only fooling themselves anyway if they think they will never have "problems" at some point just because they think they are dealing with "clean" systems*
Many of the Interceptor-alternative recommendations I've found are unsupported by proof (e.g., Why don't you try pipefish, six-line wrasses, Lugol's, voodoo?"). *Indeed...biological predators for "any" issue (Aiptasia, flatworms, etc.) are at best hit-and-miss*
Removing affected colonies doesn't remove all of the RB from the tank. *Agreed*
What would you recommend as a control method? *Mmm...patience, optimum water quality, adequate feeding, vitamin supplements...you'll likely find the "problem" will turn out to be "not so much" of a problem...though you'll still have trouble trading with your short-sighted hobby friends. I'll be honest with you, I have red bugs in my system and I don't give them a second thought. I think many times we as aquarist try to find something on which to blame our own shortcomings (e.g. - water quality/maintenance/husbandry/species incompatibility). I'm not saying this is the case with you, but those that see my tank (unless they know already) would never suspect I have red bugs. But like you, most will not trade with me once they are told...so be it *grin*. Regards, Eric Russell*
