Help out a Newbie with some Aiptasia killers?

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08-08-2010, 10:40 AM
Post #1: jay13

ummmm, nitrates = aptasia? since when? . water changes will not solve your aptasia problem, over feeding will increase them but they can survive like any other anemone with photosynthesis. peppermint shrimp or scats work. scats need some room though. shrimp looks like the way to go. i have 4 in my 180 and after some manual removal they never came back, the shrimp handle them very well.
08-08-2010, 11:37 AM
Post #2: jimsflies

I personally don't like to have too many peppermints in the system. They will pick on other corals when they get hungry and always take food out of the corals "mouths" before they can suck it in.

In a 29 I would only have one. It may take it a few weeks to get on top of the existing aptasia but at least you won't have too many in your system after the aptasia are gone.
08-08-2010, 11:52 AM
Post #3: adalius

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimsflies

It may take it a few weeks to get on top of the existing aptasia but at least you won't have too many in your system after the aptasia are gone.

I think that's the biggest thing people need to realize, Jim. Anytime you use biological means to get rid of a pest, it's rarely an immediate fix. Cleaning a 29g of all aiptasia using 1-2 peppermint shrimp can take several months to get them all, even longer if you overfeed and they're supplementing their diet with whatever you put in the tank. I usually rest easy knowing I'm doing it the right way rather than the quick and easy way.
08-08-2010, 11:54 AM
Post #4: BK's Reef

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay13

ummmm, nitrates = aptasia? since when? . water changes will not solve your aptasia problem, over feeding will increase them but they can survive like any other anemone with photosynthesis. peppermint shrimp or scats work. scats need some room though. shrimp looks like the way to go. i have 4 in my 180 and after some manual removal they never came back, the shrimp handle them very well.

i was just saying if they have nitrates it may be to overfeeding which will help the aiptasia produce more. but they do multiply faster in bad water chemistry compared to good.
08-08-2010, 02:34 PM
Post #5: MizTanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by taziam10797

Preuss also have Scats (fish) that eat aptasia like crazy. As your from E. Lansing Preuss is pretty close.

Wouldn't a Scat get to big for a 29g?
08-08-2010, 04:09 PM
Post #6: adalius

And don't you have to acclimate Scat over a lengthy period because they're brackish? Or do they sell them pre-acclimated to full saltwater?
08-08-2010, 05:57 PM
Post #7: MizTanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by adalius

And don't you have to acclimate Scat over a lengthy period because they're brackish? Or do they sell them pre-acclimated to full saltwater?

I've seen them fully acclimated to SW-but they do get big! To big for a 29 IMO.
08-08-2010, 10:41 PM
Post #8: reefermadness

Go with a dozen or so peppermint shrimp...Then cut back feedings for a few weeks.
08-08-2010, 11:06 PM
Post #9: jay13

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK's Reef

i was just saying if they have nitrates it may be to overfeeding which will help the aiptasia produce more. but they do multiply faster in bad water chemistry compared to good.

gotcha! i was just trying to alleviate a future post on nitrates being down but aptasia still being present. and yes what you said makes perfect sense about food and high nitrates.
08-09-2010, 03:45 PM
Post #10: mrs.som

Wow! I did not expect to get this many replies. It seems peppermint shrimp are the answer. My husband said we'll get one within a month. In the meantime, I'll keep up with the water changes and try not to overfeed. Thanks for all the info!

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