Kill It or Leave It?

Hi fellow reefers.

New to the hobby here. Am in my 3rd day of cycling, with a 20 gallon tank, 20 lbs live rock, 30 lbs live sand and water from an established reef tank. I awoke this morning and flipped on a little light to peer at my new tanka and see if any new joy had emerged in the night. I found 4 little aiptasia letting it all hang out on my new live rock, which I bought from a local supplier here in town. Of course, there's nothing in there for them to harm at the moment. Should I attempt killing or simply let them be and hope they starve? I should tell you that I was able to share in the joy of my ex-roommates 75 gallon reef tank up until a couple weeks ago when he moved out. So I've seen these critters before. They aren't feather dusters. These are (99% sure) aiptasia. Will have to take pics and upload, but I really don't think I need confirmation.

 

kill'em now!!! they will multiply and you will hate it in the future.

 

zap them now...and keep eye out for any others.

You do not need an infestation of these before you even get started out.

 

Aiptasia does spread rather quickly, especially under the right water conditions(with high nitrates and nutrients/DOM). Aiptasia aren't all together detrimental, however, as they are filter feeders much like Tridacna clams, feather dusters etc. They will aid in the cleaning and purifying of your water, though once established, will grow and could overtake a tank and pose a problem if you have corals!!!
People have experimented with aiptasia in a refugium and sump as an added filtration(biological) media with continued success!
Aiptasia is a double edged sword IMO!

 

I agree with everything coral reefer has said about the aiptasia...