Aiptasia OK to keep in FOWLR?

[zantho]

I've been searching the threads for answers to this one. I kind of like it, it's a FOWLR which will never be a reef so I've got zero in the way of corals and it makes the tank look more "reefy" with the majanos in there too. So far they have not taken over the tank, they've stayed on a single rock. Every thread I read is about how to control them, my question is, will they really sting my inverts (so far blue-leg hermits, and snails) or hurt my fish? Or are they only a problem for reef tanks and people who think they're ugly? Should I get rid of them now because they can hurt my livestock? Or can I let them stay? I figured if I ever picked up some peppermint shrimp, it would be something for the shrimp to occupy themselves with as well.

 

[merredeth]

Yes, they will sting your tankmates and yes, they get out of control fast.
Rather than buying Joe's Juice, using Kalk mixes or lemon juice try this one. It works GREAT.
Take a suringe and fill it with boiling RO water and blast those babies! You can take the rock out and submerge it in old tankwater after a water change. Then swish it around in the old RO water and put it back into your display tank.
Trust me, get your doctor to give you a suringe - you'll be glad you did. They come in handy more times than I care to remember.
Denise M.

 

[nigerbang]

I had 1 piece of rock that I bought some Cabbage leather on that had Aip. on it...I pulled them off with needle nose pliers

 

[cabin7882]

I'm having the same problem!! if I take the rock out won't they go in and I will be unable to pluck them off?

 

[doodle1800]

What I think will happen is you'll like them at first, the mojanos being green in the center, kinda ok looking. After awhile the aiptasia and mojans will get out of control and you'll be tired of them. Get some Joe's juice. If you like these kinds of things, get some cheap anenomes or other corals that require relatively low maintenance.

 

[revclyburn]

I currently use a product by Blue Life that seems to be working very well. I used it last week and as of today, tank is clear of aiptasia. I saw some little ones yesterday that I missed, they are gone too. Had some where it was hard to get to, but this stuff just filled in the crevices were they were and I don't think they'll be back either. Try it, you may like it, I know I do. Also, get some peppermint shrimp, if the fish you are keeping won't eat them, they will aid in control of aiptasia anenomes.
here's what you're looking for: Aiptasia Control
RevClyburn

 

[zantho]

Ahhhh, well, 90% of them were on one small rock and didn't move. I loved that little rock, it was covered in feather dusters and other little tube worms that were in the process of making longer tubes. Anyhow, that rock is gone. Easier than trying to get 10 little aiptasias with hot water.
I have two left in the tank (that I am aware of). The trick is, they're on a piece of live rock that's at the bottom of the pile. Moving all that rock isn't something I'm really thrilled about. So, can I inject boiling water while they're in the tank? Or does that rock need to be in it's own container outside of the tank?

 

[merredeth]

Originally Posted by ZAntho
Ahhhh, well, 90% of them were on one small rock and didn't move. I loved that little rock, it was covered in feather dusters and other little tube worms that were in the process of making longer tubes. Anyhow, that rock is gone. Easier than trying to get 10 little aiptasias with hot water.
I have two left in the tank (that I am aware of). The trick is, they're on a piece of live rock that's at the bottom of the pile. Moving all that rock isn't something I'm really thrilled about. So, can I inject boiling water while they're in the tank? Or does that rock need to be in it's own container outside of the tank?
I wouldn't do it - I'd take the rock out because if you don't kill them you could end up spreading the problem further.
Denise M.