Hitchhiker ID

[MasterSparky]

This will be a no brainer for you guys I'm sure, but I'm mystified. Turns out there is an entire field of these guys growing now. Should I be concerened? Do I need to feed it?

http://www.notsoboringlife.com/fish/what.jpg

Many Thanks!

[kingsland]

No, don't feed it. Its Aptasia, a pest that will grow and spread. You need to kill it. You can use Joe's juice or kalkwasser paste.

[MasterSparky]

Holy smoke! Glad I asked. I've been watching it grow for 5 months now.

Thanks for the help.

[psyrob]

Yes, kill these, "terminate with extreme prejudice" to quote apocalypse now. I watched one for a few months before I knew what it was and it morphed into several dozen...I would use a Kalk paste (mix some DI/RO water with a teaspoon of kalkwasser powder) and syringe it onto the suckers. Then repeat, repeat, repeat...

[rampantmarine]

Unfortunately if you don't get it right it comes back and still multiplies. It will feed all on its own - no help needed.

[BuddhaKiss]

Are they just located on that rock or are they found on others? You can deal with it in the tank (many threads on RC on how to get rid of them) Deal with it quickly, or you'll end up with a long hard battle with these guys. I've finally got my aiptasia problem under control after many months and many techniques. Personally, if its just on that rock (doubtful cuz you've had them for 5 months now), but I would isolate that rock from the rest of your tank, and deal with them in another container. They can be a true PITA!!

[Bambalam]

Of all aiptasia removal methods that I have used, Red Sea Aiptasia X worked best. A second application may be needed, but it gets the job done. HTH

[crvz]

I've heard good things about the aiptasia x as well, I'd give it a try if I needed something. But for long term control, and those that are hard to reach, you may also consider a couple peppermint shrimp in the tank, which are known to eat them.

[MasterSparky]

They actually seem to be isolated to that one rock. What if I just took it out and nuked it in the microwave for a couple minutes or just let it bake in the sun?

Are peppermint shrimp okay with a BTA? I'm hoping to get one very soon and would hate to have them molest it.

[ahayes13]

im not sure about the bta but pepp shrimps are supposed to eat aiptasia, i have a few in my tank and they are good citizens.

[Michael7979]

I use Aptasia X on all that I can see and reach. I also have 2-3 Peppermint shrimp in the tank that do a good job on the small ones and/or ones that come back.

[Joe LoPresti]

I've been battling Aiptasia for a few months now and started with Joe's Juice. My LFS stopped carrying Joe's and switched to Blue Life Aiptasia Control which I had been using. That stuff is crap, all it seems to do is **** off the aiptasia and they spread even more!!
Last week they started stocking Red Sea Aiptasia X. It's expensive but man does that stuff do a number on those little buggers. I highly recommend Aiptasia X and good luck!!
Don't wait too long, declare war on them now!!

[BuddhaKiss]

I've had pretty good success with Aiptasia X. Matter of fact, of all the methods I tried, it was probably the best...aside from taking my rock out and drying it completely out. To the OP, personally, I would take out the rock out if you can. I know how fast these things can spread...but most likely, you already have them on other rocks. In any case, it will be easier to deal with these things out of the tank. I've done that and soaked rock in tap water for a few days, then let them dry for a few more. Seems to have worked so far...