Aptasia help

florida joe

Well-Known Member
I have been thinking (yes I do think sometimes) of alternative ways to kill Aptasia. I would like some educated guesses on how long Aptasia can live out of water. Can it live if only moist? . Will it dislodge itself from rock if that rock is taken out of water in the hope of being introduced in to the water again? If crushed will the dispersed pieces regenerate?
 

scopus tang

Active Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2918498
I have been thinking (yes I do think sometimes) of alternative ways to kill Aptasia. I would like some educated guesses on how long Aptasia can live out of water. Can it live if only moist? . Will it dislodge itself from rock if that rock is taken out of water in the hope of being introduced in to the water again? If crushed will the dispersed pieces regenerate?
Hey Joe, I can tell you for a fact that they need very little light, they will survive if only moist, they do not dislodge themselves if taken out of the water, and they will survive in a system after every other living thing in the system (with the possible exception of bristle worms) has died. I had two tanks at school that basically where allowed to die out and sit empty for a year (didn't change bulbs, didn't feed, infrequent topoffs - so salinity changed often, etc.). When I later reset those tanks last year about Christmas time, the first thing to show up was Aptasia. I don't know if they form somekind of a spore that survives unfavorable conditions long term or what, but those suckers can pretty much survive anything.
 

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by Scopus Tang
http:///forum/post/2918520
Hey Joe, I can tell you for a fact that they need very little light, they will survive if only moist, they do not dislodge themselves if taken out of the water, and they will survive in a system after every other living thing in the system (with the possible exception of bristle worms) has died. I had two tanks at school that basically where allowed to die out and sit empty for a year (didn't change bulbs, didn't feed, infrequent topoffs - so salinity changed often, etc.). When I later reset those tanks last year about Christmas time, the first thing to show up was Aptasia. I don't know if they form somekind of a spore that survives unfavorable conditions long term or what, but those suckers can pretty much survive anything.
Randy as you can see the JoeRanugeum has a horizontal line of aptasia funny they seem to be only in that spot. I was considering isolating the refug and lowering the water level so they would be out of the water but upon reading your post I think I will take a paper towel and wipe them off hopping that does not spread them to the DT I will have to be careful to get them all out
 

scopus tang

Active Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2918569
Randy as you can see the JoeRanugeum has a horizontal line of aptasia funny they seem to be only in that spot. I was considering isolating the refug and lowering the water level so they would be out of the water but upon reading your post I think I will take a paper towel and wipe them off hopping that does not spread them to the DT I will have to be careful to get them all out

Joe, suggest running something sharp along with or behind the razor blade, I don't believe you will be able to just "wipe" the off. Anytime I've tried the head comes off and foot stays attached.
 

spanko

Active Member
You know I was trying to inject a small bit of Monday humor there but after seeing what you have Joe, combine your thought on lowering the water lever. Then get one of those small butane torches and try it.
 

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Actually Henry I like your first option better in his case bigger is better I am in the process of installing an industrial strength chiller to keep the water temperature down during cremation
 

scopus tang

Active Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2918613
Actually Henry I like your first option better in his case bigger is better I am in the process of installing an industrial strength chiller to keep the water temperature down during cremation
Go Joe Go!
 

gregstr56

Member
Originally Posted by Scopus Tang
http:///forum/post/2918520
Hey Joe, I can tell you for a fact that they need very little light, they will survive if only moist, they do not dislodge themselves if taken out of the water, and they will survive in a system after every other living thing in the system (with the possible exception of bristle worms) has died. I had two tanks at school that basically where allowed to die out and sit empty for a year (didn't change bulbs, didn't feed, infrequent topoffs - so salinity changed often, etc.). When I later reset those tanks last year about Christmas time, the first thing to show up was Aptasia. I don't know if they form somekind of a spore that survives unfavorable conditions long term or what, but those suckers can pretty much survive anything.
I just got a "good deal" on 30lbs of fiji live rock but ...its all covered with this
is it harmful to my tank or just a nuissance? Is there a fish or snail that will eat them? Should i put the rock in my tank now or what?? help
 

coastie81

Member
peppermint shrimp will take care of apistasia as long as it is not totally out of control. I had some apistasia and I added 2 peppermint shrimp to my tank and they took care of it all, Now I don't have any apistasia in my tank. Just my .02
 

gregstr56

Member
Originally Posted by coastie81
http:///forum/post/2958522
peppermint shrimp will take care of apistasia as long as it is not totally out of control. I had some apistasia and I added 2 peppermint shrimp to my tank and they took care of it all, Now I don't have any apistasia in my tank. Just my .02
thanks thats good to know. I got 30lbs but its all over the rocks. i have one peppermint shrimp .. so do you think its ok to put it in my tank, i just took it out of this guys tank and put it in a bucket of saltwater .. i just dont want to hurt anything in my tank
 

05xrunner

Active Member
pep shrimp.
I use to have a bunch of small aptasia..got a pep shrimp and ALL gone the next day and I never saw another one
 

gregstr56

Member
cool, i have one pep shrimp 2 cleaners do you think it would be ok to get another pep shrimp to shred this stuff or one will do?
 

novahobbies

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by Life~Reefer
http:///forum/post/2958781
Worked for me!!!
:)
Didn't work for me. Joe's juice was only temporary. Taking the rock out and scrubbing it
didn't work either. These little SOB's are tough!
One peppermint shrimp later, however, and my seahorse tank is aptasia free.
 
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