[gandorf2000]

I recently inhiereted a few snails and hermit crabs from somone with a tank full of aptasia. I rinsed them with saltwater and wiped them all with paper towels, I am not sure if I can get infested from them or not? Can aptasia be transfered by crans and snails?

[BLKBRDTA]

Yes hitchhikers, parasites, disease pretty much everything can be transported from one tank to another via water, livestock, LR and LS, decorations and equipment etc. The only real way to be completely sure that nothing is on the newly inherited piece of stock, is to QT the piece for a couple weeks in a separate tank. This will void off any hitchhiker that may want to seek refuge in your display.

[pogodzib]

Even a tiny foot off of the aptasia will grow into a pest. Rinsing and wiping them off good will kept, but isn't a sure way to keep aptasia out of the tank. Quarantining the critters for a few weeks while watching for aptasia growth would be the best way.

[RocBro]

I'd like to piggyback off of this topic. I just started cycling on Saturday, and I noticed, what I now know to be an aptasia. Before I started reading about it, I thought it was cute..but now that I hear of the havoc they can bring on a community, I want to know, how can I get rid of it this early in my cycling process? I've only seen one so far, but I don't want it to get much bigger or spawn before I introduce fish. Is it too early to bring in a cleaning crew?

[kev2me]

Originally Posted by RocBro

how can I get rid of it this early in my cycling process?

You can take some kalkpaste and smother the aiptasia with it. You could also boil some water or just use some lemon juice and use a syringe to inject the liquid right into the aiptasia if it's in an easy to access spot. It should wither up and die.

[Lightsluvr]

If you just have one or two, you might also try a product called Aiptasia-X from Red Sea Marine products. Of the available commercial products, it it the one I have the most success with. Joe's Juice, not so much.

If you have an infestation, kalk paste, vinegar, boiling water all just seem to pi$$ off the aiptasia to reproduce more vigorously...

For serious problems, there are natural means of control, including Peppermint Shrimp, Copperband Butterfly fish or (best) Berghia Nudibranchs.


JME

LL

[SaucyRat]

Originally Posted by Lightsluvr

If you just have one or two, you might also try a product called Aiptasia-X from Red Sea Marine products. Of the available commercial products, it it the one I have the most success with. Joe's Juice, not so much.

If you have an infestation, kalk paste, vinegar, boiling water all just seem to pi$$ off the aiptasia to reproduce more vigorously...

For serious problems, there are natural means of control, including Peppermint Shrimp, Copperband Butterfly fish or (best) Berghia Nudibranchs.


JME

LL

I agree 100% Aiptasia-X was the only thing that worked for me (not including natural measures) & I had a pretty big infestation & as Lightsluvr mentioned kalk paste, vinegar, boiling water, lemon juice - just did not work. I tried
Aiptasia-X & have never looked back.

Cheers.

[MasonKiller]

I used blue vet Aiptasi control got it for free told the guy at the LFS he gave me tons of live rock with aiptasia and he gave me a free bottle stuff works good too and its reef safe works in minutes and veterinarian approved

[Lightsluvr]

Originally Posted by MasonKiller

I used blue vet Aiptasi control got it for free told the guy at the LFS he gave me tons of live rock with aiptasia and he gave me a free bottle stuff works good too and its reef safe works in minutes and veterinarian approved

Be cautious of any marine product that is labeled "veterinarian approved" - that smacks of snake oil...

Why? When was the last time you saw a fish veterinarian? The manufacturer could have taken it to his brother-in-law who is a vet in Mexico and get a product "approved"... My comment doesn't mean the BV Aiptasia Control doesn't work - I just get annoyed by questionable claims in packaging and advertising...

One thing for sure: BV was worth every penny you paid for it...

JMHO.

LL

[gandorf2000]

well... so far i had 1 aptasia, was on the back of a snail. I scrubbed it off under running water. unfortunatly it killed the snail. I havent seen any other aptasia yet (fingers crossed)