Hey fellow reefers,
My beloved reef is experiencing an outbreak of Aiptasia. It’s a 75 gallon true mixed reef with 6 fish. A pair of clowns, Tomini Tang, Solar Wrasse, Midas Blenny, and Chalk Bass. I am beginning to see a pretty substantial infestation and I want to take action before it gets too crazy.
I have a few ideas in mind and would like your ideas and opinions.
My first option and what I am currently doing is Aiptasia-X/F-Aiptasia. This method has really only fueled reproduction in my opinion as I am running through bottles of it and it’s only getting worse. I do not want to drive the Aiptasia into reproduction either.
My more realistic option is trying my luck with Peppermint Shrimp. But I have some prized LPS, golden torches, for example. I hear these shrimp can go rouge/opportunistic and attack LPS. I also hear some are not interested in Aiptasia at all. I understand there is one specific species we go for when it comes to Aiptasia but I have no real method of sourcing that exact species. Even then, I hear this species might not go for the Aiptasia. I think Algae Barn could be my best bet at sourcing the true Peppermints I need. However, their reviews are seemingly hit or miss.
My next option is another hit or miss. But my LFS always has Filefish and I hear these guys consume Aiptasia. But again, very hit or miss and can consume coral. The reason why I listed my fish population is because I think I am maxed out and do not want to add more fish.
Finally, there are Berghias. Which are very expensive and a lot less hit or miss. However, they are impossible for me to find locally and will end up costing me around $200 for a few. I have never ordered live animals before and I am absolutely terrified to do so. I see this as a last resort.
However, I do not want to risk the addition of something that may kill one of my torches.
What would you do?
Edit: If you had success with online vendors of either Peps or Bergs please let me know the vendor! Also, if you have Bergs and happen to be selling/shipping/or in Michigan, let me know too!
My beloved reef is experiencing an outbreak of Aiptasia. It’s a 75 gallon true mixed reef with 6 fish. A pair of clowns, Tomini Tang, Solar Wrasse, Midas Blenny, and Chalk Bass. I am beginning to see a pretty substantial infestation and I want to take action before it gets too crazy.
I have a few ideas in mind and would like your ideas and opinions.
My first option and what I am currently doing is Aiptasia-X/F-Aiptasia. This method has really only fueled reproduction in my opinion as I am running through bottles of it and it’s only getting worse. I do not want to drive the Aiptasia into reproduction either.
My more realistic option is trying my luck with Peppermint Shrimp. But I have some prized LPS, golden torches, for example. I hear these shrimp can go rouge/opportunistic and attack LPS. I also hear some are not interested in Aiptasia at all. I understand there is one specific species we go for when it comes to Aiptasia but I have no real method of sourcing that exact species. Even then, I hear this species might not go for the Aiptasia. I think Algae Barn could be my best bet at sourcing the true Peppermints I need. However, their reviews are seemingly hit or miss.
My next option is another hit or miss. But my LFS always has Filefish and I hear these guys consume Aiptasia. But again, very hit or miss and can consume coral. The reason why I listed my fish population is because I think I am maxed out and do not want to add more fish.
Finally, there are Berghias. Which are very expensive and a lot less hit or miss. However, they are impossible for me to find locally and will end up costing me around $200 for a few. I have never ordered live animals before and I am absolutely terrified to do so. I see this as a last resort.
However, I do not want to risk the addition of something that may kill one of my torches.
What would you do?
Edit: If you had success with online vendors of either Peps or Bergs please let me know the vendor! Also, if you have Bergs and happen to be selling/shipping/or in Michigan, let me know too!
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