Aiptasia

[Donya]

Well, I'm pretty sure I finally wound up with one (which probably means more I guess). It's about 1/2" and appeared overnight on the side of a piece of LR that had previously been bare. It doesn't look much at all like the Aiptasia I've seen being battled in the LFS, but I can't think what other kind of nem it would be. There are a couple of things I'm wondering...

I know nems are not supposed to be able to survive in anything but extreemly mature tanks, so why does Aiptasia tend to do so well? Are they any sort of water quality indicator or are they so hardy it doesn't really matter?

What exactly do these nems sting? Is it just corals or can they harm other inverts as well?

 

[Mr Miagi]

I know nems are not supposed to be able to survive in anything but extreemly mature tanks, so why does Aiptasia tend to do so well? Are they any sort of water quality indicator or are they so hardy it doesn't really matter?

They are extremly hardy. Thier ability to filter feed would also help (although larger nems can filter, I dought their efficiency is very good). Some people report after "cooking" their LR, they still have aiptasia left. This proves they can filter feed alone, without neccessarily needing photosynthesis. I dought any nem would stand 4 months in a dark bin ketp to temps and with water circulation.

What exactly do these nems sting? Is it just corals or can they harm other inverts as well?

Im un-aware of any other possible harm they could cause to inverts. They deffinately sting corals though.

There is a new form of filtration someone has started using, yep, you guessed it, using aiptasia. They are so good at pulling solids from the water, a bloke is manufacturing a sump section designed for them. Ill try find the link.

 

[Navarre]

Aiptasa will live happily in darkness as they dont need light to survive This makes them real tough to eradicate!

Smaller ones wont pose a problem but a large aip can sting small fish and cause them damage. Their sting is powerful and corals are the most proone to these ferocious little anenomes.

The only corals i know that can effectively fight back are the elegance coral, hammer heads bubbletips and perhaps torch. AIps tend to keep clear of these corals.

 

[Donya]

What about corals from the Fungia family (tongues, plates, etc.)? I saw them classed as "aggressive", but I don't know if that means only against peaceful corals. Can Aiptasias be contained effectively in something like the sort of sump Maigi described? I hate the thought of killing off nems, but if they spread out of control...

 

[mj32]

I was wondering if you got a small blob of the aquascaping milliput stuff and put that right over the small ones would that kill the little f****rs ? B)

Just wondering on a "plan b" incase the joes juice dont get 'em

 

[Mr Miagi]

What about corals from the Fungia family (tongues, plates, etc.)? I saw them classed as "aggressive", but I don't know if that means only against peaceful corals. Can Aiptasias be contained effectively in something like the sort of sump Maigi described? I hate the thought of killing off nems, but if they spread out of control...

IMO, they would probably be stung. I dont think they have anything to fight ack with, and with soft tissue, it may be a concern.

An apartment can be created, but I think its quite an effort. I think he plans to place them in a compartment, which only re-enters the sump after flowing through a UV/ozone. (Sorry, ill find the link tonight).

I was wondering if you got a small blob of the aquascaping milliput stuff and put that right over the small ones would that kill the little f****rs ? B)

Just wondering on a "plan b" incase the joes juice dont get 'em

Yes, something like milliput placed over the nem will kill it. Alternatively, aquaneedit. Either will work, but I would hate to think of the cost of the stuff once you had quite an infestation. You can use vinegar, which most house holds have in the cuboard. Check out the Aiptasia article in the nano information pinned thread by SH.

 

[Donya]

I think he plans to place them in a compartment, which only re-enters the sump after flowing through a UV/ozone.

Oof...that's out of my doability range since it's a small tank. A sump might not be out of the question (although I have no idea how I'd manage it on this tank), but UV would not be a good combo. Too bad I can't just rent a Berghia.

 

[Navarre]

Berghias are like goldust! If you find any please let me know

 

[Donya]

LFS near me carries a lot of nudis for some reason. They did have Berghias about 4 months ago if I remember correctly, but they dissappeared like hotcakes (now I know why ). They're doing dwarf sea hairs and lettuce slugs again now but they rotate species periodically.