Aiptasia! But How?

ReeferBob · Feb 23, 2020

I am seriously at a loss here. I looked in my tank today and saw a 1/2" Aiptasia along with what looks like 1 or 2 more starting out. I have not added anything whatsoever to my tank in at least 4 years. 4 years ago I had a few Aiptasia but a couple peppermints took care of them. Since that time I swear nothing at all has been added. The peppermints all died over 2 years ago. The only thing I can think of is about a month ago I got some Omega freeze dried brine shrimp cubes. Is it possible for Aiptasia to survive coming in on that? This tank only has 2 clown fish and maybe 4 or 5 Nessarious snails.

manlykady · Feb 23, 2020

let peppermint sort them out

Hemmdog · Feb 23, 2020

Feed frozen mysis not freeze dried brine. Restock peppermints for the aiptasia.

GlassMunky · Feb 23, 2020

You said you had aiptasia before, most likely they never FULLY went away and hid somewhere in your system, like the plumbing or overflow etc and then over time managed to reproduce and now you see them again.
There’s no way at all that it came in on foods. Zero.

ReeferBob · Feb 23, 2020

GlassMunky said:
You said you had aiptasia before, most likely they never FULLY went away and hid somewhere in your system, like the plumbing or overflow etc and then over time managed to reproduce and now you see them again.
There’s no way at all that it came in on foods. Zero.

It has literally been 4 years since I have seen hide nor hair of an Aiptasia. How could they hide? I also do not use the light at all in my tank, never. I realize they can probably survive with just ambient light. I feed the 2 clowns once every 2-3 days and that is all that ever goes in the tank. Literally for 4 years. I haven't even done a water change in 4 years, not a drop. Yes, I will get a handful of peppermints and hopefully they are as effective a last time. They ate all visible Aiptasia within a week and I had quite a few of them. I would just really like to understand where they came from.

GlassMunky · Feb 23, 2020

It doesn’t matter that it’s been 4 years. That’s plenty of time for some to grow and reproduce.
They also don’t need light at all, they can live in total darkness inside piping.
They came from the old aiptasia.
If you’ve literally never added anything then it literally couldn’t come from anywhere else.

IMO peppermints are just a band aid, as evidenced here.

Leadfooted · Feb 23, 2020

GlassMunky said:
You said you had aiptasia before, most likely they never FULLY went away and hid somewhere in your system, like the plumbing or overflow etc and then over time managed to reproduce and now you see them again.
There’s no way at all that it came in on foods. Zero.

+1 which is why I lean towards Berghia For Aiptasia

Ike · Feb 23, 2020

There was still some aiptasia in your system, it's the simple. I just had flame algae start growing out of a live rock and I haven't had it in the system for 15+ years. Life finds a way...

vetteguy53081 · Feb 23, 2020

Like roaches, there’s always one that sneaks through the cracks.
Like i do- get yourself a kleini butterfly. You’ll never see one again

NJDragonet · Feb 23, 2020

Restock peppermints

JayLu · Feb 23, 2020

I also thought I was finally aiptasia free, until they started showing up in my sump. Turns out, they we’re hiding in my overflow.

Spartyparty · Feb 23, 2020

I’m tellin ya I had a great experience with berghia nudibranchs. Was skeptical as everyone is but I spent the money on (4) 1/4” in my 90 gallon. 2 months and completely eradicated! Moderate infestation. I had at least 2 aiptasia that the oral disk was the size of a quarter. My experience but will definitely try them again if the need arise.

ReeferBob · Feb 24, 2020

I may try the Berghia or perhaps the Kleini Butterfly. I wasn't aware this type of Butterfly also ate Aiptasia. I'll get another batch of Peppermints as well. I had a Copperband in there that was doing really well but it managed to wedge itself into my rock and die one night.

Is it possible that extra feeding made the Aiptasia feel like multiplying? I have been putting more food in since I have been adding the brine shrimp cubes.

Thanks all!

Florida Sunshine · Feb 24, 2020

Yes it is very possible that the extra feeding has allowed the aiptasia to start growing and reproducing. I agree with the others. You were likely never able to entirely get rid of it, you just got rid of the visible parts. Aiptasia is like the plague. It can be dormant for quite some time, but give it some food and they start multiplying and take over in next to no time at all.
Whatever route you choose to go, do it fast. I ignored a couple of babies as the emerged and now I have a full blown outbreak again.

GlassMunky · Feb 24, 2020

ReeferBob said:
I may try the Berghia or perhaps the Kleini Butterfly. I wasn't aware this type of Butterfly also ate Aiptasia. I'll get another batch of Peppermints as well. I had a Copperband in there that was doing really well but it managed to wedge itself into my rock and die one night.

Is it possible that extra feeding made the Aiptasia feel like multiplying? I have been putting more food in since I have been adding the brine shrimp cubes.

Thanks all!

100%
Heavy feedings, especially of small particulate foods like reef foods etc are the perfect food for things like aiptasia and vermitid snails to go crazy and reproduce.

ReeferBob · Feb 25, 2020

I picked up 5 peppermints last night from my LFS. Friggin' $9 each! This morning all seem healthy and active but still got the Aiptasia on the side. I am cutting back feeding a LOT so we'll see if they eat them when they are hungry. Fingers crossed!

vetteguy53081 · Feb 25, 2020

For $30, you should have gotten Kleini butterfly which eats them like candy, peaceful, eats all dry and frozen foods and a pretty fish

ReeferBob · Feb 25, 2020

vetteguy53081 said:
For $30, you should have gotten Kleini butterfly which eats them like candy, peaceful, eats all dry and frozen foods and a pretty fish

I did check those out at Live Aquaria but I am not sure what direction I am going with the tank. It could possibly be turned into a dedicated Sea Horse tank.

KrisReef · Feb 25, 2020

Another clear example of spontaneous generation by pest organisms. It’s the reason why pests are so difficult to avoid.

ReeferBob · Mar 4, 2020

Just to close the loop on this the 5 Peppermints are doing very well in the tank all are thriving one even molted already. They "took care of" (in a Clintonesque way) all the visible Aiptasia which is great! I do have 2 "masses" (quarter sized) growing on the side of the tank I've seen this before in other tanks but not sure what it is. Seems like just some biomass without any form. I also reduced the feeding by a lot and the algae is also starting to recede. I'll think twice before adding any "treats" in the future.