“Clean chaeto”?

[Keithb22]

I was hoping some one could help me understand the potential Implication here. So background, I set up a bare bottom Waterbox 45.2 frag tank and it’s still cycling. Instead of a skimmer in the sump I ran 8 pounds of live rock from salty bottom reef co and some chaeto that was “clean” from algae barn. I checked the rock prior to putting it in the sump and since I was cycling w it, I just cleaned it off from shipping and tossed it in there. I inspected it to make sure nothing wild was attached and never had any problems spotting any critters. I had the chaeto in about a week and went to move it around and spotted 2 Aiptasia that we’re only in the chaeto. I know Tullock mentioned Aiptasia as a possible filter specimen but I’m not sure how likely they are to infiltrate the rest of the aquarium? My other question/ concern is whether or not they infiltrated my fuge and if peppermint shrimp will be enough to monitor/keep it in check? Thanks every one for the warm welcome and look forward to some other input.

 

[Leadfooted]

Well, Guess I'll go grab some popcorn.....

 

[Sticker shock]

This sounds familiar....

There is a pretty lengthy discussion on this topic already. Aiptasia moved from my fuge to my display. I manually removed what I saw. I added a couple peppermints to the fuge and they have kept the issue at bay. But I have found a few stragglers showing up every once in a while. I ditched the chaeto once I found the aiptasia. I'm guessing there is more there than what you have already spotted.

 

[Idoc]

I'd ditch the chaeto... sorry.

Si did it come from the rocks or the chaeto? That's the big question!!!

They will infiltrate the rest of the system from the sump.

 

[Leadfooted]

.

 

[Thespammailaccount]

with live rock you will have many hitchhikers

 

[Keithb22]

I tossed the chaeto as soon as I spotted them. Once my fuge light came on they opened up and were right in the open. So as far as I could see, there wasn’t anything else but obviously that’s wishful thinking. Idk where it started I just know I saw it fairly large in the algae and hadn’t seen anything in the lr prior, either way there is absolutely nothing but rock and a clown fish so hopefully I can get it under wraps w shrimp and a watchful eye.

 

[sal024]

I had the exact same problem when i set up my tank a few months ago.
i started mine with all dry rock and after it cycled i added a bottle of pods and "clean" chaeto, both from algae barn. added nothing else and after a month and a half, i notice my chaeto full of small aiptasia. i just tossed it and added a couple of peppermint shrimp to the fuge and shut off all flow to the fuge for a coupe of weeks (since that's where the chaeto was). No idea if the shrimp did there job but going on 3 months and i haven't seen any aiptasia, so fingers crossed still.

 

[Keithb22]

I looked again tonight and I haven’t seen anything, I let loose a few shrimp and crabs so I’m hoping that helps. I’m not here to bash anyone I just wanted to see whether or not I was alone in this experience and how it was remedied. Looks like I’m headed the right way, ordered some “clean chaeto” from a different online source and I guess I’ll have to see if it’s good to go this time around or not.