Aiptasia gone?  4/18/07
Hello everyone at the wet web!
<Good afternoon, Olly here>
I have a question regarding Aiptasia.
<Heehee, Most people do>
My tank has had a problem for about a year with them. I have zapped them with Kalkwasser, purchased a copperband
<Shouldn’t be purchased for short-term problems>
3 Berghia Nudibranchs, and 2 shrimp <Peppermint?> over that time and nothing seemed to work. In the last 2 weeks, amazingly them have simply vanished! There may be 3 or 4 left, but that’s it! I haven’t done anything different, changed any habits, nor have I added anything new in quite some time. I am happy about it, but I am wondering if something may be wrong with my system since these guys are suppose to be tough. All of the fish, inverts and corals seem fine and all parameters are excellent. Are my worries legit? What can cause such a quick demise of the Aiptasia?
<There maybe something underlying, but this doesn’t seem strikingly obvious from what you’ve said, so I’d say you’re good to go. I would say that is was quite likely the Berghia Nudibranch, these often “go missing” for extended periods of time but then re-surface in increased numbers and a lot hungrier. It may be worth checking the remaining Aiptasia at night with a flashlight to inspect for minor aggressors – the Nudibranchs. Could also be an improvement in husbandry that lead what was feeding the Aiptasia proliferation – nutrients, overfeeding, lighting etc – to lessen, leading to a crash in their population. Although I still firmly suspect the Nudibranchs! A last thought – is the copperband still with you – may have just developed its taste! Hope this helps, Olly>

Re: Invader   4/16/07
<Hi Bob, Mich with you again.>
I do not know where the nutrient could be coming from.  I feed very, very sparingly,
<Perhaps a change in food brand would help?>  
and have been for quite a long while (started with a fight against BGA which I have won, only to lose against Aiptasia and hair algae).
<There are several methods for Aiptasia control.  More here and related links in blue:  
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/aiptasia/aiptasia.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/aiptasia_impressions/aiptaisia_impressions.htm
Only been a little over a week since you wrote in about these issues.  This battle will take time, once changes have been made.>
Despite all of WWM's positive words, I wonder if the problem is not the DSB, both of them or maybe just the downstream one, which has flow only across the top.  Thoughts?  
<I would keep.  Do you occasionally vacuum the sand bed?>
Maybe I should clear all sand out of the downstream fuge completely?
<If it were me/mine I would try implementing other options and leave the DSB in place.  -Mich>
Bob Lee

Another Aiptasia Question - 03/20/07  
Just finished setting up my 240g with 300lbs of LR and I have noticed about 10-14 Anemone's.
<<Uh-oh...cultured live rock was it?>>
Some large, some small, some brown, some clear, some striped.
<<Ah yes...>>
After searching the web I have decided these are Aiptasia.  
<<Is very likely>>
This LR is in an Agg FOWLR tank, I understand they breed like crazy with lots of nutrients which I'm sure to have with a Grouper, Lion, and Eels.
<<Indeed>>
But my question is this, does Aiptasia have any benefits (filter
feeding, extracting wastes, etc)?
<<They are amazing absorption feeders, pulling dissolved organics from the water (one of the reasons they are so successful/difficult to eradicate)...but...>>
And do they pose any threat to large fish?
<<Mmm, good question...they do have a fairly potent sting.  I wouldn't think they would pose a big hazard to large fish...but a heavy infestation may prevent these fishes from getting/staying in their favorite hidey or sleeping holes in a closed system...thus creating stress and all the possible ailments/troubles it will bring about.  My opinion is a few here and there wouldn't be a concern...but I wouldn't let the Aiptasia overgrow the entire system>>
Other fish planned were a Harlequin Tusk, Yellow Tang, Queen Angel, and possibly a Sohal Tang.  Lastly I read on one of your articles about Aiptasia that the Queen Angel eats it, but can't find that info anywhere else on the web to confirm.  Can you confirm?
<<Not personally, no...and though I consider Bob a reliable source, each fish is an individual...>>
I do not mind having a constant grazing material for an Angel to eat on it this is true.
<<Time will tell>>
I missed Anthony's lecture at ThatFishPlace this past weekend, but the tent sales pulled me away :o).
<<Bet it was a good time>>
Thanks for all the hard work guys,
Joe in MD
<<Pleasure to assist...EricR in SC>>

Aiptasia Control 2/27/07
Hello,
<Hi John>
My question is simple! I'd like to use Kalk slurry to fill the hole the little Aiptasia bugger is in. Then plug the hole with epoxy so it can never return! Good idea? Bad idea?
<As long as there is no back door, I'd just plug the hole.>
I can easily take the rock out so that is not an issue. My only concern is a chemical reaction. Will the slurry and epoxy, being in such close proximity to each other, cause a reaction that could leach awful no good compounds into my tank? Ever been done by anyone you know?
<To be on the safe side, I'd plug the hole 15 minutes after the Kalk shot.
Do read here and linked files above for more info on control of these little &%$#*s.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/aiptasia/aiptasia.htm>
Thanks WWM Crew,
<You're welcome John.  James (Salty Dog)>
John

My little Aiptasia...   2/26/07
I got some base rock for my 45g tank and along came a little Aiptasia, barely as wide as a dime, and before I knew it was an Aiptasia (24 hours ago hehehe) it became my little pride and joy.
<Wait a while... for the "Day of the (Glass Anemone) Triffids!">
It really is cute, and I thought it was another cute little hitchhiker on the cheap rock. However... Seeing its true nature on the internet has led me to the decision to possibly buy an Elegance Coral to eat it but I don't think my tank will be able to support something so hard to care for. They seem to have an awfully high death rate, and I have a Sun Reef 50/50 bulb as the only source of coral-friendly light. My budget barely allowed for that at the time, and the only upgrade will take two of my measly paychecks at the moment. So I was trying to think of some relatively easy to keep coral that might eat the Aiptasia but be able to survive as long as I do the necessary additives and food. I got the stupid Aiptasia some Zooplankton which he ate with much vigor. Any suggestions other than
letting it slowly die out in the air for a week or so?
<Could work, yes>
Apparently that "little" Aiptasia will be a nuisance in the future, and as much as I think he's cute, I know I have to find a humane way of killing it. I figured getting eaten alive is more like nature's way right?  :)
<Mmm, what is it about "nature's way" and living in a transparent box that doesn't seem to quite gel here? I say, either keep the little bugga-boo or rid yourself in whatever way seems facile>
BTW, the tanks inhabitants are a pair of False Percula Clowns, a Green Spotted Puffer, a Canary Wrasse, a handful of snails and crabs. There's less than 10lbs of base rock at the moment since its so expensive to get the stuff, and even more if I wanted to get liverock - I'm doing the "one step at a time" approach. There's an Emperor Biowheel filter (Forgot what size.. It has room for two cartridges) and a 90g Red Sea Skimmer, and plans in the way for a homemade sump/refugium later. Thank you very much, I hate being such a newbie but the internet is so full of conflicting information I'd like to double check and see if I'm heading the right direction.
<Mmm, yes.... Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/aiptasia_impressions/aiptaisia_impressions.htm
and the linked files below. Bob Fenner>

Re: My little Aiptasia...   2/27/07
Okay so I was looking through all the FAQs and really considering an Elegance Coral until I read this one :
"Elegance Coral
Hi Guys and Girls <Hi Joe, MacL here>
I just got a new elegance coral for my established reef tank. It is in a nice  open sandy area so I am hoping it does well. However my needy clownfish has not  unexpectedly taken up residence in it almost immediately. Is my newcomer in  serious danger and is there anything I can do? <It can be a real problem. Often  they host and don't irritate the corals but sometimes they do irritate the  corals and indeed kill them. These fish can be deadly to corals and really there  isn't much you can do about them besides find another host they will go to OR  get rid of the coral. Sorry to be such a downer. It is possible that it won't  irritate the coral at all, in which case you have a interesting situation to  enjoy.>"
Is something like this a serious enough problem to reconsider? If I went through the trouble to get a decent Elegance, feed him, and take care of him... Would my two clownfish stress it out trying to make a home on it?
<Is a possibility... though these fishes generally choice other, more agreeable host species>
I want something that would kill the Aiptasia but be enough of a home for my Clownfish, while simultaneously not beating the hell out of the three bumblebee gobies. They can eat 3x their weight in food, and have no hesitations of where they go for it, and I'm worried something as strong as an Elegance will eat them for dinner. Maybe I'm just crazy. Any suggestions then?
<Yes... other means of Aiptasia control...>
I don't want something as delicate and hard to keep as an Elegance if it'll probably just die (increasing the demand for more Elegances collected in shoddy conditions and just screwing up the oceans some more sounds like a cruddy plan if it'll just die)... Thanks a lot, sorry to be such a bother!
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/aiptasia_impressions/aiptaisia_impressions.htm
and the linked files at the bottom. Bob Fenner>
One last question! This is for future reference when I dive into the world of corals... What is your opinion on Pulsing Xenia versus Starburst Polyp (Briareum sp)... Also, Colt Coral would kill those I listed above right? There's so many different types of corals and whatnots, Its easy to get misled and I refuse to trust anything less than 5 sources... Waste of money and corals are animals, I'd hate to kill one just for experimentation/newbie purposes.
<Read on my friend, read on. BobF>

Aiptasia anemone removal   2/26/07
Dear BOB,
<Hi Jason, Mich here.>
One other quick question for you. I seem to have Aiptasia anemones but only in my refugium. Thankfully they have never migrated to my main tank.
<Yet!>
Almost all of them hang out and reproduce in the bioballs and first baffle of the refugium.  Hence they are inaccessible to inject.
<I'm not sure I understand why they would be inaccessible>
I can only consider emptying the water and letting them dry out and refill it. Do you have any suggestions as to how to rid my refugium of these pests?
<Lots of options please read here:  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/aiptasia/aiptasia.htm and
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/aiptasia_impressions/aiptaisia_impressions.htm and related links in blue.>
Thanks  
Jason
<Welcome!  -Mich>

Re: Aiptasia Anemone Removal  – 2/26/07
Dear Mitch,
<Hi Jason, it's Michelle.>
Reason the Aiptasia are inaccessible in the bioballs is because the refugium I have, the width of the baffle is that of one bioball.
<Yikes!>
So maybe the bioball chamber is 24" H x 18" D x 1.5-2" W. SO getting a needle, siphon, etc  is near impossible and removing the bioballs is a mission in itself.
<Sounds like it!  Perhaps some DIY tongs are in order.>
Plus no shrimp or nudibranchs can get into that area and hence injection with my arm and a needle is hard as well. Any Aiptasia that get into the main refugium chamber I kill without a problem.
<This is good.>
The only thing I can consider is emptying the refugium and cleaning them  out but I also don't want to kill that many tube worms, pods and other beneficial bacteria.
<Vigilance is a reasonable option.>
Best regards,
<And to you!  -Mich>
Jason

Aiptasia in Swim (FOWLR) Tank, Multiple Pygmy Angels in a Tank  - 02/15/07
Hello,
<Hi there Kiet!  Mich here.>
First of all, I wanted to say your site has provided me with an abundance of knowledge in maintaining a healthy aquarium.  
<Glad to hear this!>
The first question I wanted to ask was; would it be alright to leave Aiptasia in a swim tank? I know they can be harmful in a reef setup, but I was not sure about fish only tanks.  
<Should be fine.>
The second question I was wondering was; should pygmy angels be kept one to a tank?
<Yes, best to be solitary, unless the tank is very large.>
Thank you,
<You're welcome!  -Mich>
Kiet

Aiptasia Dilemma, Removal Options  - 02/15/07
Dear Crew
<Hi Dan!  Mich with you tonight.>
I recently purchased some Caulerpa racemosa attached to a small piece of live rock which I placed into my new refugium.
<OK.>
After a little while I noticed that the live rock is home to quite a few Aiptasia anemones.
<OK.>
So my question: should I try to combat the Aiptasia by adding some hermit crabs, or would it be better to try and detach the Caulerpa and chuck the rock into the bin?
<You can try the hermits, Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) are if they’re hungry enough may help.  Chemical options also work i.e. Kalk paste, lemon juice... Please read here:  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/Aiptasia/aiptasia.htm  removing the Caulerpa is also an option.>  
I'm not sure if this is possible since the Caulerpa racemosa seems to be pretty fragile.
<Hmm, usually is quite hardy.>
Is it easy to attach the Caulerpa to another piece of live rock or the substrate?
<Really no need for it to be attached, but should be easy to do if you so desire>
Thanks!
<Welcome!>
Dan

Aiptasia Control, Caulerpa 2/14/07
Dear Crew
<Brenda here>
I recently purchased some Caulerpa attached to a small piece of live rock which I placed into my new refugium. After a little while I noticed that the live rock is covered in Aiptasia. So my question: should I try to combat the Aiptasia by adding some hermit crabs, or would it be better to try and detach the Caulerpa and chuck the rock into the bin? I'm not sure if this is possible since the Caulerpa is very fragile (the bubble variety).   
<If you decide to remove the rock, it can always be added later as “dead” rock.  It will take some time before it becomes live rock again, but at least it’s not a total waste.  As far as which method is best to remove Aiptasia, it seems the jury is still out on this.  Some hobbyists have luck with one method where others have had no luck.  Here is more information on Aiptasia control: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/Aiptasia/aiptasia.htm    I think you will be fine removing the Caulerpa, it should reattach soon.  There is more information here on Caulerpa:  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/caulerpafaq2.htm
Thanks!
Dan
<Your welcome.  Brenda>

Kold Steril Filter Reason for Aiptasia and Algae Growth   10/4/06
Thank you for your website and the vast amount of information.  The information has prevented me from making numerous errors.
<Thanks and welcome>
I have a 125 gallon reef tank and I switched from Reverse Osmosis water from the water store to the Kold Steril Filter using my city water.  I seem to have had an increase in Aiptasia and green algae growth over 6 months time.
Do you think this is because of the minerals in the water that did not exist with RO water?
<Mmm, interesting speculation... if only we could "go back" and set up a few replicate systems to test this hypothesis... Don't know>
Should I add an RO system after the Kold Steril Filter to get rid of the algae and slow the spread of Aiptasia?
<Mmmm, I definitely would not. The KS unit is very likely doing about all that can be to provide clean water. I would employ other means of pest anemone control. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/aiptasia/aiptasia.htm
and the linked files above>
I have one other question.  I have a Niger trigger in a different tank that is fish only.  The tank is 130 gallon high.  What if any other fish would be stable with the trigger?   I have had the trigger for 6 months and he does well.  I do not want to crowd him as he grows.
<Please see WWM re Odonus niger and general Trigger Compatibility... Bob Fenner>
Thanks for your help.
Darrell

Aiptasia   8/24/06
Good morning,
<And to you>
I'm starting to see a couple of Aiptasia in my main display ( I have 5-10 in refugium).  I have a four line wrasse, a fridmani, flame angel, cinnamon
clown, dragon goby, seven blue green Chromis, one fire shrimp, and four skunk shrimp in my 150 gal mainly SPS reef.  I am by no means over run with
the Aiptasias, but I would like to nip the problem early.
<You are wise here>
I've searched your site concerning the wurdemanni shrimp but I'm not sure what "all but the largest Aiptasia" means.
<Mmm, ones that are much larger than the shrimp let's say>
  I have one that is about 1" in diameter, would that be considered large?
<IMO, yes>
  How do you think this shrimp would fair with my current stock?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
<I would likely try "cutting this back" before hoping, adding the shrimp... with a strong vacuum and a sharp tool... Bob Fenner, who likes large pizzas, but not too large!>

Aiptasia Hitchhiker - 08/11/06
Hey Crew-
<<Hey Rob!>>
I just wanted your opinion on something...
<<I'm always happy to proffer my opinions>>
I have a 75 gallon reef tank.  I recently purchased a frag of orange-eyed zoo's.
<<Cool!>>
It's a decent sized piece and the polyps look great however, I just noticed that there is an Aiptasia anemone on this frag.
<<Mmm, some freebies/hitchhikers are neat...some not so neat...this one falls in to the "not so neat" category>>
My tank is currently Aiptasia free.
<<Generally a "temporary" condition in this hobby>>
Is it really worth having this $10 frag in my tank with the risk of the Aiptasia spreading throughout my display?
<<That's a decision you have to make my friend...but, eliminating this pest before it spreads is a real possibility as well>>
Is there any way to keep the Aiptasia from spreading?
<<Yes...kill it>>
What would you do if it were your tank?
<<I would try to get rid of the pest anemone were this me/my tank.  My preferred method is to inject the anemone (run the needle through the oral opening down in to the stalk) with full strength lemon juice.  Sometimes takes more than one hit, but I've found this method to be very effective...and as effective (or more so) as any of the commercial products I've tried>>
As always, I appreciate your time!
Best regards,
Rob
<<Glad to help.  EricR>>

Aiptasia seeds?   7/27/06
Mr. Fenner and gang,
<Hello there!>
Hello all, I have a 20G and 2.5G both mixed reefs.  The 2.5G has been somewhat neglected and at the moment, is being overtaken by Aiptasia.
<This is a very common problem with a tank this small.  Nutrients, unless you are EXTREMELY diligent run like crazy in a tank of this size.  I would suggest going bigger if you can.>
I have three small colonies of Zoa's, one of which the dang Aiptasia is actually sprouting up through.  
<Just annoying, isn't it?>
My question is, can I salvage/frag what I can of the unaffected Zoa's and put them in my 20G that is Aiptasia free and not worry
about it sprouting up in there, or is that just asking for trouble?
<Actually you can, but there is always a chance that you'll be moving a few over to the new tank.  Once again, it is better to treat the problem than the symptoms here.  If you want to make the move, manually remove all Aiptasia (be very care around the zoas, no need to break any of them and wear gloves just to be on the safe side.) Then move over to bigger tank.  Work on getting nutrients down in your 2.5 though.>
Thanks for your time,
Mike Troolines
<No problem, have a great one!  Jen S.>

Re: Aiptasia and Frogspawn corals  5/31/06
Hello Bob.
The return of the Aiptasia, imagine that!
A strange thing noticed on the specimen growing among the frogspawn colony: The tentacles closest to the frogspawn polyps are receded and wilted while the pest tries to avoid these polyps.
I found several others growing near the top of the tank where the P. skimmer empties into the water. I know why they grow here though only discovered their presence in the passed couple weeks. This is where I put food for dispersion by the flowing water and it sometimes collects near the top of the rock.
I purchased what I thought are Peppermint shrimp but I am not so sure as these are larger than usual and the coloration seems more subdued and the specimens darker. These are neat little guys at any rate even if they do happen to be the wrong shrimp. I am still looking for the Berghia but have never seen one offered at any of the LFS(s). Right now I am using my QT tank for control though the one rock is exceptionally large where these pests reside. I may restart my 55 gallon tank and purchase a Copperband butterfly or similar species for control... not sure though as incurring more expenses and maintaining yet another tank might get real old real fast. Maybe if I can repair the light fixture on the 24 gallon (I think the external ballast went) then the new light I got could get moved.... Decisions, decisions....
Sincerely,
James Zimmer
<<James:  Frogspawn has a powerful sting.  Sounds like it is stronger than the sting of an Aiptasia.  Peppermints are hit or miss.  When I have bought them, only about 1/2 to 2/3 eat Aiptasia.  Berghia are available online.  If you do a search on www.reefcentral.com and other sites you may find people selling them.  Unfortunately, if they work, they will die once they have eaten all the Aiptasia.  Rather than use critters, if you don't have too many, I like to make a batch of Kalk paste and inject it into the Aiptasia holes with the plastic syringe you get with baby medicines.  After you inject it, don't scrape the paste off.  Eventually coralline algae will grow right over it.  Best of luck, Roy>>

Re: Aiptasia and Frogspawn corals - 06/01/2006
Roy.
Thank you for the advice on Aiptasia control.
I have used the Kalk paste or slurry also and depending on location or orientation to preferred animals I am sometimes reluctant. Yes, this
latest crop will have my work cut for me. I may just use the paste method again for the large rock as it is too much to move into the
smaller QT. As for smaller rocks I can move them and train, hopefully, the shrimp to eat the pest anemones. I will not use concentrated Ca(OH)2 near the frogspawn if I can at all help it.
Again, thank you.
James
<<James:  You're welcome.  Based on my experience, the Peppermint Shrimp will either like Aiptasia or not (that's why if you have a big enough tank, it's good to buy 2 to 3 to see who will eat them).  In my best case, one peppermint ate about 100 Aiptasia within about a day.  It was amazing to see him attack them.  He looked like a boxer working on a speed bag.  Unfortunately, for that Peppermint Shrimp a Skunk Cleaner Shrimp attacked him and ate him.  I guess the Skunk Cleaner liked the taste of Aiptasia fed shrimp. If you are careful with the baby medicine syringe and make a thick enough paste, you can inject the paste with a lot of control (like you are decorating a cake).  If some of the paste starts to float off, just disburse it as fast as you can.  In my experience, if a little bit brushes a coral (such as your frogspawn) as it floats buy, it won't hurt anything. Best of luck, Roy>>

Aiptasia - 5/12/2006
I am pretty sure that I have Aiptasia Anemones in my tank but want to verify.
<<OK.>>
Are these the only anemones that populate quickly?
<<No.>>
They seem to be multiplying quickly. I keep finding new ones. The photos I looked at are pretty much the same thing I have in my tank.
<<If they look like Aiptasia, they likely are.>>
I can't believe I have been feeding this thing.
<<Most live rock has a few hitchhiking.>>
Is it 100% necessary to get rid of them?
<No.  Depends on your system and other inhabitants.  I would opt to remove them.>>
How much harm can they really be?
<<They do move, and can sting/kill other corals and livestock.  There are many products available to eradicate them, as well as some natural predators. Read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/aiptasia/aiptasia.htm.>>
Thanks for the help
Mike
<<Glad to help. Lisa.>>

Importing Aiptasia from LFS?  4/27/06
Dear Mr. Fenner,
<Jen S. here, Bob is at a conference.>
There are two prominent LFS's in my community that have nice corals.
Store A has noticeable Aiptasia growing in their systems (one or two per tank, but not infested); Store B has essentially none.
<Very common to see in a LFS>
However, compared to Store B, Store A has a better selection of corals and- overall- friendlier, more helpful staff.
<Go with Store A then.>
I read your Aiptasia article and came away with the conclusion that eventually I'll have to deal with these pesky beasts.  
<Hopefully not with diligent care.>
My water parameters are great for a three month old system (good skimmer, Chaeto refugium, Nitrates zero).  
<You system is quite young to be adding a lot, be careful!>
I am told that one way to control Aiptasia is through prevention, with good nutrient export the key.
<Yup, and manual removal.>
Question: with regards to potential importation of Aiptasia into my system, does it really make much of a difference which store I shop at?
<Shop where you like the selection and staff>
Also, will dipping my newly bought corals in Seachem Reef Dip make any difference with regards to Aiptasia...or any other nasty thing for that matter?
<I’m not sure, I doubt it.  Manually remove all that you see BEFORE adding to tank, and anymore you see after adding.  Good luck w/ the shopping!  Jen S.>
Thanks.
Russell in Louisville, KY

Aiptasia, aka Glass or Rock anemone    4/16/06
Hello to one and all,
<Hello to you as well, Jodie here tonight>
I have a brief question.  In the process of setting up a 90 gallon reef tank I purchased 50 pounds of beautiful rock from Tonga.  It has run through the curing cycle, and realizing it was too little volume for the tank I started looking for suitable base rock.  Through a reef club I acquired an additional 50 pounds of "used" Fiji.  It looked in good shape and I did not find anything dead during my inspection.  Utilizing very poor judgment I placed this rock in the curing/holding tank with the rest of the rock.  Now
a few hours later I see Aiptasia popping out of every hole on the new rock.
<I feel your pain; it's happened to me as well.  I'd recommend moving it immediately to limit the odds of spreading to your good rock.>
There are too many to inject or cover in Kalk paste.  Would pouring boiling water over the rock kill the pest or should I dry the rock in the sun for a few days?
<Boiling water isn't guaranteed to kill them all.  They'll likely just pull back into the rock, where the boiling water won't get to them quick enough.  If you're not worried about losing all the life in the rock, then I'd say the sun is a more likely to work.  Just make sure to keep in clean, and re-cure it after it's "sun bath".>
Thank you,
<Best of luck, and hope they haven't infected your good rock, Jodie>
Rob

Aiptasia Removal - 03/17/2006
Bob,
<Stuck with Josh today I'm afraid.>
There seems to be a lot of options for removing Aiptasia (Nuisance anemone) listed on wetwebmedia.com.
<Indeed.>
The first seems to be removing the cause of their growth (excess nutrients).
<Yes.>
I am in the process of purchasing/moving a 90 gallon tank with live rock. There is about 80 lbs of live rock with about 10 to 15 nuisance anemones growing. Since, I do not have any fish to
put in the tank, would these die from starvation if I just set the tank up to keep the live rock wet?
<Highly unlikely.>
My plan is to setup the tank/filtration and let it run for 1 or 2 months before adding fish/food.
<Good to Hear.>
Should I remove/scrub the rock prior to putting it back in the tank.
<Scrubbing them will only create more...a lot more.>
Would it help to cover the tank to minimize light?
<No.>
Do you have any other suggestions?
<It sounds to me like you're in a great position to use the Kalkwasser injection method. This is what I would do.>
I would prefer not to buy crabs/shrimp as I have a Panther grouper that will eventually make this tank his home.
<Understood and glad to see you're planning ahead.>
Thanks
Jack W.   
<Welcome. - Josh>

Aiptasia status report/Aiptasia Control  - 02/27/06
Hi, Crew! <Hello Amy>
Just thought I would weigh in on my experiences with Aiptasia control and a variety of methods, after reading all the FAQs.  Bottom line: Nothing yet seems to work.  I have tried 1) Injections with lemon juice.  This worked temporarily; they eventually grew back, and if you get even one or two hiding in crevices that you can't see, it's all over - they'll reproduce out of control from their hidden location.  2) Joe's Juice - this doesn't work very well either.  It does indeed kill the target anemone, but there is a significant problem: it seems to force the dying anemone to clone.  I tested this by feeding Joe's Juice to an anemone that was stuck to the wall of the aquarium, so it was clearly visible on all sides.  Sure enough, the Aiptasia died, but it left behind a ring of ~5 or so tiny clones, which are now growing to full size.  *sigh*  I have used literally a dozen boxes of Joe's Juice, and all it seems to do is induce them to clone.  Watch out!
Since I'm very much against bringing any wild-caught animals into captivity now, I'm going to try Berghia nudibranchs.  I have two arriving on Tuesday morning.  I'm setting up a breeding tank, along with a holding tank for Aiptasias (not that this is a huge problem at the moment - my main tank is covered with hundreds now).  Will let you know how it goes!  If they clean up the Aiptasias, I'll pass them along. <Thank you for the email and do let us know your results.  James (Salty Dog)>
Amy

Euphyllia cristata and Echidna nebulosa... and Aiptasia control  - 02/20/06
Dear Mr. Fenner or crew member that answers,
   <Jessica>
  Just a couple of follow up questions.  Regarding the below mentioned E. nebulosa, what would you consider the minimum for housing him indefinitely?
<... 150, 200 gallons plus, uncrowded...>
It is possible that I could trade in a few of my smaller tanks (and there are plenty) that have housed freshwater fish over the years for a predrilled standard 125 (I have been collecting tanks and freshwater fish since the ripe old age of 8).  I would probably have to use cinder blocks for a stand (it would look like my neighbors car),
<Heee!>
or wait until I can next get to my dad's shop to build one, which could take a while, but would the tank work no matter what I set it on?
<? As long as the stand/support is stable, strong, planar, level...>
I have read so many different minimum requirements, 50 gallons on DrsFosterSmith.com, 60 in the article on WWM, and all sorts of variations up to a recommendation of 100 gallons on other places on the web.  I am thinking the 125 will work, but I want to be sure first.   What are the ideal dimensions for housing such a beautiful species?  
<The bigger the better...>
Could I fill it 3/4 of the way
(which would render the pre-drilling useless, unless I lower the overflow boxes somehow), with a cover and still have a happy eel?
<Not indefinitely... which was your question/concern>
I am thinking that with the lowered volume, maybe I could simulate intertidal pools for him to get into (the overflow boxes), maybe place some treats in there from time to time.     
  Also, on a side note, I obtained the below mentioned E. cristata/divisa from my friend, and it looks great in the rocks, half way up, right under a 175w 10000k MH lamp and very near an 800 gph powerhead (the powerhead is on the back of the tank, pointed at the front and makes a nice sweeping current through the tank, the coral is in the direct path of the ricochet current).  I still do not notice sweeper tentacles, and I wonder if I should?
<Not necessarily... but might at night, after feeding if you looked... and very likely if you placed another cnidarian close... or it chemically influenced the system>
  It seems to eat if I place meaty food on its tentacles (formula one, prime reef, or Mysis and human grade shrimp, scallops and squid, all used in Mr. Fenner's marine mash recipe from CMA) Is there any way to tell which coral I have without dissection/microscopic investigation?
<Euphyllias are rather distinct... usually just looking at the polyps will give you a species ID>
Not that it makes that big a difference to me, but I would like to label my display museum style so when the nieces/nephews/friend's children come over I can encourage them to read/learn for themselves, much as you do here on WWM.  Is it possible that I have the wrong
genus in identification, since there are no sweeper tentacles?
<Not likely>
(I have looked at all the pictures I can find on the net, I am certain it is a Euphylliid, but I am no expert.)   
  Another side note, I have found a useful strategy for removing Aiptasia from my rocks that doesn't involve chemical or biological controls.  With great patience, I have shaded the Aiptasia from the light.  While they may be less light demanding than their more desirable counterparts, in my experience, they are no less light loving.
<Agreed>
I have found that the shading makes them migrate to the substrate, where I simply use tongs to pluck them from the aquarium.  I often have had to "redirect" the anemone's path with more shading or by turning or moving the rock, but I have successfully removed 14 Aiptasia anemones this way (over the course of about 1 1/2 months).  I also have not seen a mass reproduction that I was wary of after reading about chemical controls or other methods like scraping.  Once they were plucked, they were gone.  I now have an Aiptasia free display, in case anyone is interested.  I harbor some of them in a 20L under regular fluorescent lighting to play with.  It is
interesting to watch them eat bits of shrimp or whatever I drop in there.  In a sense, I have a dedicated display for anemones, as they are the only thing there, except a few rocks.  I will remove rocks and said anemones when I next QT something.  I just wanted to enjoy having an anemone for a while, and Aiptasia has been suggested by some on WWM (not without hesitation).
   <Thank you for this>
  One last thing.  My fish (green Chromis and a firefish) have been eating the meat that I am feeding the coral.  Can I just feed them the marine mash (every other day or so), or should they have flakes and pellets, too?
<No need for the latter>
I believe the flake and pellet food for the fish is producing phosphates in the aquarium, and I do have some algae growth that I could live without.   
  Thank you for your investment in my tank's well-being.  You folks are the greatest.   
  Best regards,
  Jessica Groomer
<Bob Fenner>

Aiptasia Article - 01/10/2006
I am writing regarding your article on Aiptasia. First off thank you for writing on this topic, as there really isn't that much out there to read.
<We're glad you enjoyed it.>
I was wondering if it was at all possible to keep the larger anemones with out future outbreaks.
<Not really. Any time there are available nutrients, they'll reproduce.>
I was also wondering about what exactly they are doing to my fish.
<Stinging the devil out of them.>
My fish really don't seem to mind, but how do I know.
<Hmm...Watch if they ever touch them directly. Notice how quickly your fish move away?>
So are shrimp the best way to go?
<Depends on what is in your tank really. Some risk to desired corals, but generally a good choice.>
Thanks,
Joseph
<Gladly. - Josh>

Aiptasia Control - 01/04/2006
Greetings crew.
<Howdy Dean.>
Once again thanks so much for your help in our fascinating world of Marine wildlife.
<Our pleasure!>
I have a fairly new (8 month old set up) 180 gallon marine tank with a nice variety of corals (soft and hard), Polyps, invertebrates, and fish. Everything has been coming along great but I do have a small problem of glass anemones slowing taking over every vacant spot in the tank (and that’s a lot in a 180).
<Yep. Of course I'm sure you know this is all about nutrient control.>
I have tried inoculating them with a syringe with hot water as was recommended to me. This doesn’t seem to work. I know that the addition of peppermint ?
<Yes.>
shrimp may help as they are
known to eat these anemones. I am afraid that they might eat my polyps or soft corals as well. What is your opinion on this?
<I agree. FOWLR wouldn't be a problem but in a reef setting this could be a problem. Not guaranteed to be however the desired corals could be sampled/eaten as well.>
Are there any other remedies that I could try without potentially hurting the other inhabitants of the tank? I would appreciate any recommendations that you might think worth a try.
<A few things to start. First, very strict nutrient control and aggressive skimming (This will mainly only keep it from getting worse at this point). This will be a bit tough. IMO these and the desired corals are similar enough to be affected by the same chemical controls, so if you go that route use caution. Here's a good article from the CA Magazine for you http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/aiptasia_impressions/aiptaisia_impressions.htm >
Thanks again. Your experience and guidance have helped many of
us enjoy this hobby with your advise.
<You're welcome, being in the position to give it has done the same.>
Dean Fowler  
<Josh>

Aiptasia In My Sump - 12/28/05
I have a 300 gallon tank with three filters with submersible pump heads in the back, I went to clean it and noticed white pod shaped hairy polyps hanging on the walls of the filter.
<<Sounds like Aiptasia>>
Upon further inspection they were also hollow.  I have not added anything to the tank in 7 to 8 mos.  The live rock has been in the tank for 2 years this is the first time I am seeing these polyps. The last thing I added was a Sea Hare.  The area where they are does not get any light.
<<Unlike most anemones, Aiptasia can prosper without light.  I have witnessed first-hand their ability to survive without light while living on organic material absorbed from the water, as in an unlit sump.>>
Are these things good?
<<Depends on your perspective.  Do have a read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/aiptasia/aiptasia.htm
I did vacuum quite few out while cleaning.
<<That's one alternative.  Regards, EricR>>

Killing Aiptasia With Clay - 12/18/2005
Hello, great site.
<Hello Tony, glad you enjoy it.>
I have a brand new marine tank that is still in its cycling stage. A week ago I noticed that I have a few, very small Aiptasia that apparently came free of charge with the live rocks that I purchased. I've read from this site that these guys are carnivores as well as photosynthetic. I haven't put any type of food into the tank, it is still very bare with exception of a few snails and hermit crabs, so I'm not too worried about the overfeeding factor. I've read from this site that these guys are carnivore as well as photosynthetic.
<I'd say omnivore as I've seen them eat anything that floats. (Fish do get their revenge;)>
So I guess starving them to death won't be an option if they can survive solely from the aquarium light. I've attempted to inject lemon juice into their base, but they are really quick to retreat back into their holes.
<I've never felt comfortable with that method, seeing as pH is so sensitive.>
I thought of an idea that I haven't seen mentioned on this site. How about plugging up their holes of residence with some type of play-doh type of material, and keeping them that way for, oh I don't know, a month? Or even longer?
<Came as a shock to me, but Aiptasia can and does change location if it wants to. I saw one lose a Mushroom battle some time ago, and it actually moved to an entirely different rock. That said, it may be able to move throughout the rock's pores. Take that, add blotchy grey spots all over the place, and you have an undesirable method of control. I like Peppermint Shrimp, and have also used a strong Kalkwasser solution to rid myself of these. I think you should go to the CA Magazine, linked from the main page. I believe it was there, in the CA Archives, that they hold a good article on controlling pest anemones (also the place that I heard of people trying your idea). Much good info. in the CA magazines anyway. >
That will deprive them of food and light. Do you guys see any reason this might not work?
<I guess I should have written all that here. Oops!>
Thank you.   
Tony
<You're welcome. - Josh>

Aiptasia anemone filtration?  11/22/05
I have been removing Aiptasia from my tank whenever I find them. I recently read about keeping them in a refugium to help with absorb nutrients. Is this a good idea?
<Can be... but in general, I don't endorse... too easy for these to get about, into ones main system, cause trouble stinging, chemically>
If I move them to separate section of my refugium, do I run the risk of them spreading back to the main tank?
<Oh yes. Bob Fenner>

Quick Aiptasia question 11-20-05
I have been removing Aiptasia from my tank whenever I find them.
<Good idea. Make use a lime based product to burn the foot also or you will have more Aiptasia sprouting from the leftovers.>
I recently
read about keeping them in a refugium to help with absorb nutrients. Is this a good idea?
<Not in the least and not realistic as aphasia are not filter feeders.>
<<You must have missed Anthony Calfo's article on the utility of Aiptasia as a "filter" (direct link shows a 404 error, but here you can find Google's cached reprint of what is, I believe, in his "Book of Coral Propagation - Vol. 1").  Marina>>
If I move them to separate section of my refugium, do I run the risk of them spreading back to the main tank?
<Yes, not even a risk, a reality.  Travis>

Bubble Versus Aiptasia 10/13/05
WWM Crew,
I have a bubble coral in close proximity to an Aiptasia anemone. The war is on. I know the elegance coral can 'out-sting' Aiptasia, but will a bubble coral? If it can, can I use it to kill the other Aiptasia in my tank? 
<What did you plan on doing, walking the anemone to visit the Aiptasia?> <<Dude! It's a coral! Not an anemone... RMF>>
I wouldn't call it an infestation, but I do have about 10 more Aiptasia in my 135 g reef. They don't seem to be multiplying too quickly, but I would like to take care of them before they become a problem. As soon as my LFS has peppermint shrimp (the real ones... I read all about it!) 
I will grab a half dozen of them as well.
Broken record time... you guys have no idea how much help you have been over the years. I have a crazy set up that would never have been possible without the knowledge obtained here (and Visa!). 
<Read here BJ. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/aiptasia/aiptasia.htm - James (Salty Dog)> 

-Another shark- 10/9/05
Justin,
<Pat, I apologize for the extended wait on the reply, I have been under the weather.>
Nice to meet you, and many thanks to you and the rest of the WWM for all your help. On your advice I did some research in your anemones FAQ's. I was not able to positively ID the organisms living in my tank, but my chosen livestock comes first so I will rid my tank of the offending anemones no matter what they are (the feeling I got reading your pages seems to be that all accidentally acquired anemones are parasitic). <<Mmm, not "parasitic"... don't live in or on other species... RMF>>
My tank contains three small sharks (an epaulette, a bamboo, and a coral cat, 400 gallon is in the works for January, two 29 gallon sumps/ wet-dry trickles with bio-balls are currently cycling with my current 150 so they are ready for the new tank) as well as one large tesselata moray. 
As such I am always wary of medications, sharks seem to react negatively to such things. Your FAQ left me with two alternatives I am interested in trying: One was peppermint shrimp. I understand that a few of these will dispatch the offending organisms, but in your opinion would they have a chance to do such before they themselves fell to the bigger predators in the tank? <<No, they'll be eaten. RMF>>
I also saw that I could remove the rock the anemones are growing on and boil them to kill all the organisms on it (recall that it is established volcanic rock and not live rock from the sea), or failing that I could just toss it and replace it with new rock. Your wisdom is greatly appreciated. 
<I really think you best bet is to put the rock into your sump and let the peppermint shrimp reside there and see if they will clean it off. Otherwise ask your LFS to see if you can bring the rock to them for their shrimp to clean then pick it up when its done. Otherwise boiling works or does hypersalinity in the 1.60 range in a container and put the LR in that, It will kill everything or most everything as well. Third idea is to use Kalkwasser to inject the anemones full of and that kills them that works very well.>
Also: I have a few questions regarding sharks. As I said I already have three, but in a four hundred gallon with ridiculous filtration (the two sumps I mentioned, 1200 GPH protein skimmer, six foot home made suspended gravel filter in addition to heavy mechanical/carbon filtration) I would be comfortable adding one more.
< Unfortunately I would not as you are already overcrowding a shark tank. Each requires quite a lot of water and space and may kill another shark if not enough space is available. Also if you really want to keep a shark for its lifespan or the three you have, I would look into making a Saltwater pond of several thousand gallons. MattieJ on Aquaticpreadators.com has the most expertise on such things and keeps an 18,000gallon tank in his basement, and a 35,000 gallon 55ft by 35ft pool for 5 sharks. one or two being Blacktip reef sharks.> 
My totally unrealistic dream is a black tip reef shark (LOL, some day), and your FAQ's/information sheets turned me off to leopard sharks. I was wondering about the Freycinet's epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium freycineti) and the hooded carpet shark (Hemiscyllium strahani). I searched you site and got a hit with no information on the latter and nothing at all on the former. I've also searched on-line dealer inventories exhaustively and found nothing. 
<<Ever hear of fishbase.org?  A listing of species, with as much information as they have is packed into a huge database.  There are no assessments of availability within the ornamental trade.  Marina>><<<Actually Marina, if you look at the "Use..." per species, you'll find there is a description "Aquarium" for species. RMF>>>
You can see pictures of them here: http://www.seapics.com/spsearchLynx/cgi.pan$188140x1x10?spsearchLynx 
and here: http://www.seapics.com/spsearchLynx/cgi.pan$qs+&hemiscyllium&strahani?spsearchLynx  respectively.
My question is do you know if these species exist in the trade, or are they entirely unattainable? I realize the scope of this question is massive and any help would be appreciated.
<Hmm well I do not know about either of those sharks in the trade, however as for the Blacktip shark I DO NOT recommend it for any aquarium less than several thousand gallons as it is a constant swimmer and requires space and a lot of it to survive. The only ones outside of public aquariums that are thriving belong to MattieJ at AP (see above). If anyone knows about those particular sharks you are searching for he would, He also goes on shark collecting expeditions at times and has the licenses etc to do so. I highly recommend you get in touch with him.>
<Justin (Jager)> 
Thanks!! Pat 

Hyposalinity & Aiptasia 10/8/05
Hello, 
<Hello Katja (unique name)>
I would very much appreciate your feedback :>. I just had a huge outbreak of tiny, clear Aiptasia (glass Aiptasia??) in my seahorse tank possibly due to excess freshly hatched brine shrimp. 
<Yikes, but are you sure that is what they are? Unlikely they would have resulted from a shrimp hatch.> 
They cover everything...glass, gravel, rocks, plastic plants. I have set up a baby horse tank so as to 
1. protect babies from being stung and 
2. stop feeding the main tank so well. 
Can I starve the Aiptasia somehow? 
<Unlikely as such, they produce much of their own food. Could try completely covering the tank so no light enters...heavy black sheet etc. I'm thinking if we take away the light source they require, they can't produce any food. Can't really tell you how long this would take.>
I cannot obtain true peppermint shrimp (only camel back), Nudibranch nor red legged hermits. Do other varieties of hermit shrimp .i.e...... very small & black help? 
<Never heard of others helping> 
I suppose anemone shrimp would not eat them 
<No>
(only shrimp safe with baby horses due to small size). Would you know of any other biological methods safe with seahorses? Chemical injection and even Kalkwasser etc methods would be near impossible due to the sheer number and
tiny size (needle pin size for most).
However if I remove my horses (I assume I would need to do this?)...how long would I need to run the tank at ca. 1.01 salinity to ensure it is effective? And given that I have live rock and associate crew, will most of the micro-live e.g. bristle worms, Brittlestars die thus causing a ammonia spike and recycle of the tank? If yes, how long before it would all stabilize again do you think? Also would my mushrooms (morphs) and one soft coral survive? 
<I don't think much will survive at 1.010. You may have to take it down lower to insure an effective kill of your Aiptasia along with any other living organisms on your live rock. If your tank is large enough, Copperband butterfly fish are good eradicators of Aiptasia but the care level is not easy.>
Maybe I need to simply start afresh i.e. strip tank...soak in freshwater for a week.. ? 
<This might be your best bet. I'm wondering if you added something else in your tank that would cause this kind of outbreak. It sure doesn't sound like Aiptasia. I know they are prolific breeders but not in the amounts you describe. James (Salty Dog)>
Thank you in advance. <You're welcome> 

Hyposalinity & Aiptasia Follow-up 10/8/05
Thank you James :>. They certainly are Aiptasia as I tried to kill an adult several weeks ago (silly me) and thus spread its tissue to happily regenerate across the entire tank. But I'll either start afresh OR try to get some Stop Aiptasia from Carol Keen in America. Cheers Katja
<OK, good luck with your eradication. James (Salty Dog)> 

Aiptasia and snails  9/19.5/05
Hello,
I have a few Aiptasia on a live rock in my 55 gal.  marine tank.  I would
like to leave them alone if they are not doing any harm.
<Then do so>
But will they harm my snails or fish?  
<Only if the fish/es are very careless, the anemones far more numerous>
The snails crawl all over the rock and I am afraid
they will be stung by the Aiptasia.  Also the fish swim very close to the
Aiptasia. The only fish I have now in this two month old tank are blue
damsels and clownfish but I plan to add more fish.  Am I better off getting
rid of the Aiptasia and can I just leave them be?
<If they concern you... might be better to eradicate. Bob Fenner>
Geraldine Kluska

Aiptasia in the Chaetomorpha - 09/11/2005
Good morning fine folks!  Hope you're having a nice relaxing weekend.
<More or less, yes.  Thanks.  Hope you've had a good one, too.>
I received some Chaetomorpha from a fellow aquarist a couple of days ago through the mail.  It was very compacted but otherwise looked nice and green and healthy.
<Nifty.>
I put some of it in my 20 GAL holding tank and the rest in my "in tank refugium" in the main tank.  The refugium is nothing more than a box made of egg crate and wrapped in window screen to contain the algae and keep the Yellow Tang out.
<So far, so good....>
Tonight as I was feeding the tank, I noticed something sticking out of the Chaeto.  
<I'm hearing the "Jaws" theme starting, here....>
Upon closer inspection, there seem to be MANY Aiptasia living in it.  
<Insert hysterical scream>
I thought they would only be introduced via Live Rock.  
<Anything they can grow on can introduce them.>
Could you please take a minute and look at the pictures and tell me if I have the ID correct?  Is it Aiptasia?
<Yes sir.>
If so, I'll just throw the Chaeto out so as to make sure it does not get into the main tank.
<I would probably store it in your separate/quarantine system and kill the little guys with Kalkwasser injection.  Either way, good to get 'em out of your tank.>
Yet another "plug" for quarantining EVERYTHING wet that goes in your tank.
<Yes, agreed.>
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/navajo001/aip3.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/navajo001/aip2.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/navajo001/aip1.jpg
As always, THANK YOU for your time and all that you do!  Still hoping to get enough experience and confidence to be able to volunteer my time to your site someday.
<Hey, gain that confidence quick! (grin)>
Thank you,
Tom (The Tool Man)
<Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Aiptasia on neon star's rock  8/16/05