[pitbull96822]

Ok I just bought a rock from the lfs that had a few different types of mushrooms on it and after getting it home and under my lights we noticed 5 heads of a orange and brown zoa and also this thing later that night on the back of the rock after the tank lights went out. Im thinking its aptasia just from a few pictures ive seen on here. I dont know what that is but ive heard its a bad thing to have in a tank. So can anyone tell me if it is indeed aptasia, and if so do i need to get rid of it and if so why?

Thanks for your time and any help that you can provide this noob

[BLKBRDTA]

Yes sir, unfortunately it does seem like you have purchased a piece of LR that has some Aiptasia on it. There are a variety of different methods one can use for treating the problem, though some work better than others. Here is a good link that explains some different remedies to use for removing the pest..: Ways to Eliminate Aiptasia Anemones | Chemical and Liquid Solution Injections

(Note: The use of Bleach and Copper Sulfate is not recommended lol)

[pitbull96822]

yeah thats what i was dreading i guess its off to get some lemon juice n a syringe and hope for the best thanks for your help

[BLKBRDTA]

Best of luck to you! Remember.. The Stem..

[pitbull96822]

quick follow up question after i inject it with lemon juice how long does it take to die? and then how do i remove it will it fall off by itself? I dont wanna leave a small piece behind without knowing and it regrow or anything. thats the only part im confused on........ for now anyways lol

[REEFMASTER]

If you can remove the Zoa's from the rock, then do that and remove the rock from your system. These things reproduce like rabbits and they made me shut down my 110 system completely. Joes Juice, Aiptasia X, Aiptasia Control.....The list goes on. THE Only sure way is to remove said rock and basically let it Die and then Recure it. You Can also try CopperBanded ButterFly Fish, as Aiptasia is it's main source of food. Now mind you, if you do it that way you need to produce aiptaisa on a regular basis, There is also a NudiBranh That eats it also. The aboved named animals will perish if their source of food is depleted.
Good luck and :
Happy Reefing
p.s CopperBanded Butterfly and Nudibranch are notoriuosly know for eating your prized Zoanthids. Be very Careful!

[kf55]

Using Tabasco pepper sauce works great

[lynnvangsnes]

I, too have a growing problem with aiptasias. I have tried injecting them with various liquids; lemon juice, tabasco. I have considered getting a copper banded butterfly but my tank is loaded with zoanthids. Here is a link with a lot of info on the berghia nudibranches.
Berghia Nudibranches, Acclimating Your Aiptasia SWAT Team! Avoiding Berghia Predators.
As of yet, I have not purchased any, but will do so in the near future. Good luck!