A waterpik makes for a handy aquarium tool!

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I recently ran across this video from Jake at Reef Builders and thought it would make a great topic! In all my years I’ve never heard of using a waterpik for any application in reefing but after seeing this it sparked my curiosity about what else a waterpik could be used for!

Do you use a waterpik for reefing and what other ways might you use one as a handy reefing tool?

Here is the video and the article:

 

[Flippers4pups]

I had a discussion with Jake about it use and possiblity of use with pest corals. I already knew the answer, but wanted his perspective.

Using it to eradicate manjanos and palythoa isn't the best option. The mucus expelled from palys can be a issue with toxins release into the water collum as well as pieces going throughout the tank. So much caution with this.

Manjano not an issue with toxins, but the same about spreading the tissues around the tank. Caution in doing so.

Like to hear what others think.

 

[reefisland]

I recently ran across this video from Jake at Reef Builders and thought it would make a great topic! In all my years I’ve never heard of using a waterpik for any application in reefing but after seeing this it sparked my curiosity about what else a waterpik could be used for!

Do you use a waterpik for reefing and what other ways might you use one as a handy reefing tool?

Here is the video and the article:

Thanks for sharing, that's pretty kool, I just can't use the one my wife own's or I will be in big trouble..I guess I got to get one from Costco.. just in case..

 

[cracker]

That is very interesting ! never thought of it. I see it blasting away algae nubs in holes Ya can't get tweezers in or around corals with out damaging polyps etc.
Wonder if it's a pulsing spray or continuous .

 

[Daniel Waters]

I've used a similar device to "pressure wash" my live rock inside the tank. While you can also just use a powerhead, powerheads are bad about beung too broad and strong and blowing sand everywhere. With a small, high pressure stream, it's easy to blast out detritus buildup inside of rock. It's also very good to help keep rock clean of certain algae buildups.

 

[Kmsutows]

If you're able to remove the coral why not just dip it?

 

[cracker]

sure dipping would kill the bad guys but it won't blow away the debris ?
Dead stuff,algae etc. So I see it having it's uses .

 

[bugiguy]

What did Jake mention as a disinfectant to add intro the waterpic well?

 

[Larry L]

What did Jake mention as a disinfectant to add intro the waterpic well?

Lugols iodine.

 

[Centerline]

I recently ran across this video from Jake at Reef Builders and thought it would make a great topic! In all my years I’ve never heard of using a waterpik for any application in reefing but after seeing this it sparked my curiosity about what else a waterpik could be used for!

Do you use a waterpik for reefing and what other ways might you use one as a handy reefing tool?

Here is the video and the article:

The most interesting thing from Jake yet! If you could mate a small vacuum with it to catch the bugs you would be in business!

 

[bugiguy]

Lugols iodine.

Thanks!

 

[BenitaSolo]

This seems like the percent tool to use the clean the mantle of a clam before introduction

 

[BenitaSolo]

If you're able to remove the coral why not just dip it?

I don’t think dipping is always as effective against eggs.
Is this right?

 

[NY_Caveman]

I have a handheld Waterpik and this seems it would be a great way to blow detritus out of the rock holes. A powerhead is big and clumsy and a turkey baster is less accurate and you have to keep squeezing it in and out. The pik is continuous. Mine can be submerged (well, it says usable in the shower). The reservoir lasts about 45 seconds, but it seems I could remove the reservoir and submerge it in the tank for continuous use. My only concern is the corrosive nature of salt. Not sure I would want to use the same unit I am using on my teeth.

EDIT: My model is cordless too and simply needs recharging.

 

[don_chuwish]

It could be fantastic in combination with dips. Make sure every nook & cranny is covered. Heck we have one that nobody uses.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I am still thinking about this. I may try something, the jet is a very powerful and tight stream. It is meant to replace flossing (mine is called "The Flosser" and works great by the way). I wonder if the jet would be powerful enough to strip away coralline algae on the glass? Probably not, but how awesome would that be? I think I may actually try this in the morning.

 

[Kmsutows]

I don’t think dipping is always as effective against eggs.
Is this right?

True but you cant possibly knock off all eggs with the pik either. Either way it would need to stay in QT and be dipped several times

 

[Captain Quint]

I'm very interested in experimenting with this.

Great thread revhtree and thanks for starting it.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I am still thinking about this. I may try something, the jet is a very powerful and tight stream. It is meant to replace flossing (mine is called "The Flosser" and works great by the way). I wonder if the jet would be powerful enough to strip away coralline algae on the glass? Probably not, but how awesome would that be? I think I may actually try this in the morning.

FYI, my waterpik was not powerful enough to remove coralline. Oh well, worth a try.

 

[Captain Quint]

FYI, my waterpik was not powerful enough to remove coralline. Oh well, worth a try.

Yes, sir. Pretty tough stuff. I have to use a knife or razor blade to scrape that to contribute to the water column.