Aiptasia and Epoxy Putty

[Marsh980]

I’ve had my tank approx 8 weeks and just seen my first very small Aiptasia. I can only believe it came on the new Astrea snails I purchased last weekend.

I’ve read with mixed results that I should use Aiptasia X, and/or use a large number of hunting peppermint shrimp packs and if it gets awful Berghia Nudibranchs.

Some information, my tank is 200 gallons with a lot of dry cured rock. I have 3 corals and approx 10-12 fish.

However, I’ve just watched the BRS Aiptasia YouTube video and they recommend covering the Aiptasia with putty so I’ve just tried that. They said it’s one the best ways at the start at stoping them spreading.

Anyone tried that method and know how long it needs to stay on for before removing the putty?

I want to get on the front foot and have a plan in place.

 

[Mrx7899]

That's what I do I mix some putty into a flat sheet and cover it. I just leave the putty on there I've never tried to remove it it will eventually turn purple and look like the rock.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Too much work. Its simple- Get a Kleini butterfly that eats them like candy, is friendly, eats all frozen and dry food and does not bother coral.

 

[Marsh980]

Too much work. Its simple- Get a Kleini butterfly that eats them like candy, is friendly, eats all frozen and dry food and does not bother coral.
[/QUOTE]

cheers, but I’ve read and been told these aren’t reef safe and eat soft corals. I am getting a copperband though which hopefully will help.

 

[K7BMG]

Agreed, leave the putty in place.
Copperbands are short lived, by the majority of reefers.

 

[flow4show54]

I had a bad outbreak and got lucky with a very voracious eating File fish. I would highly recommend

 

[Chrille26]

I have used super glue to trap aiptasia and it has worked fine! Just make sure there isnt any other holes around it that it can poke out of. They are very elusive and will find a way out if they can.
Most methods seem to be hit or miss when it comes to aiptasia, I have used boiling water and lemonjuice with success, other times it bounces back and brings two friends.
I have yet to find a method with 100% successrate but I havent tried an aiptasia eating fish yet so cant vouch for that.

 

[Marsh980]

Agreed, leave the putty in place.
Copperbands are short lived, by the majority of reefers.

I have heard that on numerous occasions too so have been seeding my tank with live pods and baby brine so I hope to have a healthy breeding population. I also will aim to get one that is eating frozen food.

I bet everyone has tried this so when the time comes, if I don’t think the tank is right I won’t buy one.

 

[Marsh980]

I had a bad outbreak and got lucky with a very voracious eating File fish. I would highly recommend

A lot of people have said that but again been warned that it’s not reef safe.

However, if it gets too bad, I will try anything to try and manage/combat/kill it

 

[NS Mike D]

epoxy now. You can use aptasiax or kalk paste and hit the aptasia first and the smoother with the epoxy.

I agree with BRS, the come back so it makes sense the epoxy will help finish the job.

You have one right now, so you are in good shape. I view them like weeds in the garden. Just kill what you see before they spread.

Also, keep an eye on your sump and the back side of your rock.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Too much work. Its simple- Get a Kleini butterfly that eats them like candy, is friendly, eats all frozen and dry food and does not bother coral.

cheers, but I’ve read and been told these aren’t reef safe and eat soft corals. I am getting a copperband though which hopefully will help.
[/QUOTE]
I have a 4" copperband and Kleini will out-do copperband on aptasia always. I have three tanks and a kleini in each and no issues with coral. Obviously you have to keep it fed.

 

[Marsh980]

cheers, but I’ve read and been told these aren’t reef safe and eat soft corals. I am getting a copperband though which hopefully will help.

I have a 4" copperband and Kleini will out-do copperband on aptasia always. I have three tanks and a kleini in each and no issues with coral. Obviously you have to keep it fed.
[/QUOTE]

That’s great to hear. Looks like I’ll be getting a Kleini. Just to be certain, is it this fish? Correct Latin name.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a 4" copperband and Kleini will out-do copperband on aptasia always. I have three tanks and a kleini in each and no issues with coral. Obviously you have to keep it fed.

That’s great to hear. Looks like I’ll be getting a Kleini. Just to be certain, is it this fish? Correct Latin name.


[/QUOTE]
That's the kleini - yep

 

[Isaac Alves]

How is the Klein with Maxima Clams in the tank?