Fighting a losing battle???

So, has anyone EVER beat an Aiptasia infestation?

I picked up a couple pieces of LR to seed my new tank and found an Aiptasia. I've had them in QT for a month. I keep hitting the little ones (four so far) with Kalk paste, but a new one sprouts up in a new spot every 1-2 wks!

There's nothing special about the rock. Looks reasonable and has a few bristleworms and pods that would be nice for seeding the new tank. Am I wasting my time? I'm getting more and more determined to beat them, but also feeling more and more like there's no point in continuing and I should just nuke the rock and try and find a new piece of seed rock.

 

WHen I had some Aiptasia what I did was boil hot water and used a turkey baster on the target. Once it died I took the turkey baster and sucked it up. It did take time but I eventually got rid of it.

You could try to see if you can save the bristleworms and pods by carefully extracting them then nuke the rock but that would be my last resort. Best of luck

 

yup I did. I went with Berghia (sp?) Nudibranches.

 

Thanks for the ideas.

I just hit two today with paste. If I get more, I may try the boiling water method. The LR is only in 5 gallons of water in a small tote, so don't know if a Nudi would make it.

 

I used to use aiptasia x. I was so good, blasting the little suckers every time I saw them. It would kill them, then 2 or 3 more would pop up in their stead. Now, I've given up and pretty much delude myself into thinking "they're not that bad." I'm considering getting a copperband, or may buy berghias. Good luck!

 

...empathize with ya on that sentiment ! lol

 

I had quite a few on some rocks I had. I killed the big ones, and the peppermint shrimp seemed to control any new ones. The shrimps since died, and I've had one pop up, but nothing else since.

 

;D

I've tossed that around too. It seems like most of the LFS have them and control with peppermint shrimp. I know I'll probably have to deal with them again, but don't want to start a tank off with them.

 

That's a BIG plus...stop "them" before you get it going...Like ya say, probably have 'em later anyhow...no reason starting out with them....I never seen them in my DT for a couple years......and then.....oh look, a cool little hitch hiker...well, the rest of the story is all too common. LOL

 

Yeah, this has definitely reinforced the need for a QT tank. I'll have to try and sneak one in. My wife keeps seeing the credit card bills from this build and I'm pretty sure I'll get divorced if I come home with another fish tank. ;D