Digitated Hydroids

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by nanoreefer555, Dec 2, 2008.

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  1. nanoreefer555

    nanoreefer555 Fire Shrimp

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    I have had digitated hydroids in my reef for several years now. They have never seemed to bother anything but I have read that they can sting corals. Does anyone know anything about these guys or how to get rid of them? So far the only solution I have come across is picking individs off the rock. Needless to say that is a tough task. More than anything I am annoyed by looking at them. Is there livestock that will eat them?
     
    nanoreefer555, Dec 2, 2008
    nanoreefer555, Dec 2, 2008
    #1

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  2. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    I have a thread about these and have just tore down a 75 gallon due to them and problems. I have found no way to get rid of them so good luck. I tore mine down and started over after failed trys to get them gone so now I am upgrading.
     
    scenario1313, Dec 2, 2008
    scenario1313, Dec 2, 2008
    #2
  3. nanoreefer555

    nanoreefer555 Fire Shrimp

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    Wow, that is extremely tragic. What exactly were they doing? Was it a problem with stinging or overgrowth? Mine just seem to maintain a population with consistent density. I have aiptasia and brown planaria so I have bigger problems I am dealing with but now I am concerned that one day I will run into the worries you had.

    Sorry about that 75. That is truly bad news. But with luck this event will allow you to setup an even better tank next time.
     
    nanoreefer555, Dec 2, 2008
    nanoreefer555, Dec 2, 2008
    #3
  4. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    There are contradicting opinions on whether digitate hydroids are bad. Apparently they have a potent sting. I think scenario can attest to that. If they can sting your finger then they can sting corals. IMO they are bad. Depending on the severity of your problem, I have read somewhere about using kalk paste to get rid of them. I would assume that any of the commercial aiptasia stuff may also work. Look into your feeding habits and clean-up crew also.
     
    missionsix, Dec 2, 2008
    missionsix, Dec 2, 2008
    #4
  5. nanoreefer555

    nanoreefer555 Fire Shrimp

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    Interesting. I dislike using chemicals in my tank, other than micronutrients. I prefer to take the risk on using livestock to control pests. I will look into my cleanup crew though because I could have more of those guys. As far as feeding, I am a minimalist so I don't think that is the problem.
     
    nanoreefer555, Dec 2, 2008
    nanoreefer555, Dec 2, 2008
    #5
  6. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    Yes they do and will sting. I was not to happy with my 75 anyway and the 120 will be here Monday. I tried to super glue over them but they found there way out and around it. IMO the only sure fire way to rid them is tear it down. If you are not having problems with them them hold tight but I am pretty sure you will down the road and when you get stung and corals start getting effected that will be the last straw for you. Good Luck and keep me posted on what you decide to do.
     
    scenario1313, Dec 2, 2008
    scenario1313, Dec 2, 2008
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  7. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    Did you decide to take any kind of action or are you going to ride them out.
     
    scenario1313, Dec 9, 2008
    scenario1313, Dec 9, 2008
    #7
  8. nanoreefer555

    nanoreefer555 Fire Shrimp

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    I think I am gonna ride them out for the moment. I just bought some Berghia to take care of my Aiptasia prob so maybe I will tackle one thing at a time. Basically I am gonna wait until something gets obviously stung.
     
    nanoreefer555, Dec 10, 2008
    nanoreefer555, Dec 10, 2008
    #8