Digitized Hydroids

So as my tank progresses I keep finding new things about it. This weeks new discovery is that one of my small rocks has a number of hitchhikers on it. I was happy that it has a few button polyps on it which I think are cool. But as I look at it more it also has one bubble of green bubble algae and some digitized hydroids along with something else I don't recognize (looks like a few blades of grass, thicker than hair algae).

So a few thoughts I had.

1. Remove the rock entirely and toss it
2. Remove the rock and hit it with a sledge hammer, put the part with the button polyps back in and toss the rest
3. Remove the rock and scrub scrub scrub what I can off half and hope it doesn't also remove the button polyps
4. Some other option?

This rock is just decoration, and is probably 4x5 inches.

 

I think using a cold chisel or screw driver and hammering it instead of the rock will give you a better chance of keeping the polyps. The algae could be a type of Bryopsis.

 

No other thoughts on this? I'd rather not destroy the rock but if it's best for the tank then I suppose I can do it.

 

My thoughts are do what ever it takes to get rid of them.

If you got it at the LFS take it back and get a clean piece.

If you can salvage the polyps off the rock do that.

I am not sure scrubbing the rock with a stiff tooth brush will work and completely remove the hydroids, but I guess I would start there first.

 

IMO, I'd toss the rock and be done with it, that sounds like alot of problems for something not integral to your scape or system, if ya frag the polyps or mess with them, wear gloves or wash your hands, and don't touch you eyes.

 

yeah if you are just starting up especially, toss the rock and get a new piece! I had colonial hydroids in my tank and they are a PIA! Dont let them get set in the tank

 

Ok, thanks guys and gals. I pulled the rock out and chiseled off the small part with just the button polyps and put it back in my tank. I probably saved a peice that's .5 inch from a rock that was 6 or so inches and weighed approximately a pound.

Side note, while looking closely at the rock before removing it I also saw a number of very small things that I'm sure are another hitchhiker. They were very tiny, close to the size of a pod, and were kinda like little stars. Each one had 5 points all radiating from a central point. I'm not sure any got saved but I didn't know what they were. Are they the start of button polyps or some other coral?

 

those are fine.........little asterina stars