[AutumnPine]

I have a FOWLR setup. I know aiptasia has stingers and is harmful in reef tanks but is this something I should also be concerned with in my tank? It seems to be growing pretty steady.

[BubbaWPB]

They are just plain nasty organisms that breed uncontrollably. They really have no redeeming qualities.

[charlie]

You need one of these, and you won't have an aiptasia problem.

[Ninong]

It's a 29-gal tank.

[charlie]

Originally Posted by Ninong

It's a 29-gal tank.

I'm sorry, I didn't see that stated anywhere???????

[leebca]

Charlie, you get that info when you click on the link "Tank Information" below AutumnPine's name.

AutumnPine,

Aiptasia in your FOWLR tank usually is just a nuisance. The fact that they are there and thriving indicate they are getting the food (nutrients) they need. This can be a positive, since they do help remove nutrients from the water; but in general it's a sign that there are too many nutrients in the water to support their lives. That can be a negative.

Do you have a skimmer on this tank? What else do you have in the system (e.g. refugium or sump?) Do you use carbon or any chemical treatments? What additions, other than food are you putting into the tank? What fish and what foods do you use? What do you have in the way of a cleanup crew?

[charlie]

I know that, guess I didn't think to look there:slap::slap:

[AutumnPine]

no, I don't have a skimmer but plan on investing probably in remora aquaC when I get a little more cash. The tank is still in it's cycling stage so I don't have a cleanup crew. I only have two damsels in the tank and feed them 1-2 times a day. I have been careful not to overfeed them. no refugium or sump. my ammonia levels are 0, nitrites running about .25, no nitrates, ph is good at 8.2. I have an Emporer 280 w/ rio 800 powerhead. I have a fowlr setup. once my tank finishes cycling I thought I could get a couple peppermint shrimp

[AutumnPine]

haven't put any thing else in except food. I'm using the fish food that my lfs recommended, Ocean Nutrition Formula Two Marine Pellets.

[Ninong]

Since your tank is only 29-gallons and still cycling, I see no reason why you shouldn't just kill all of the aiptasia now before they take over. There are a variety of ways to do this, most of which involve injecting each aiptasia anemone with something that will kill them: Concentrated calcium hydroxide solution (kalkwasser), vinegar, boiling water, lemon juice, dilute hydrochloric acid, etc.

The boiling water injections can be done in the tank without risk of harming anything else but the various acid injections can only be done in moderation or you could end up lowering your pH. Same goes for the kalkwasser injections except that in that case you would be raising your pH. A rapid change in pH is not good.

Can you remove the individual live rock pieces to a separate container to take care of the aiptasia? That might be the best way to go since the tank is not yet established. You can even entomb the little beasts in their holes with marine putty. Just be careful that you do not attempt to scrape them off because this usually results in small pieces of anemone being left and these will regenerate.

[AutumnPine]

here is a pic although not a good one

[The R/C Man]

Hey Guys!

I didn't read every line so if a repeat anyone sorry, pepermint shrimp will eat aptasia. There is a slight trick in getting them to do a good job it at however. This is a secret so come closer....... (in a whisper) Ok, just feed your fsh enough for them and try not to let any extra settle for the shrimp to get a hold of. The shrimp will be hungry and feed on the aptasia......

Good Luck!