Black Bugs On Scoly?

Mikedawg · Nov 29, 2017

Noticed beginning of tissue rescission yesterday and just now saw these two black "spots" on bleeding apple. Couldn't tell much about their shape, but they held on to the skeleton when I tried to remove them for closer observation.

Could they be the dreaded black bugs, and if so, what are recommendations for eradicating them?

Thanks much; this is one of my favorite corals.

Humblefish · Nov 29, 2017

#reefsquad

Mikedawg · Nov 29, 2017

Dipped with Precision Solutions' Coral Dip Solution - only one LFS had - and keeping fingers crossed. If this doesn't work I guess I'll try Bayer solution but sure wish there was a common understanding of what strength is most effective for LPS; I've read of many different concentrations so will go slow.

DSC reef · Nov 30, 2017

Dipping is a good idea. The bugs don't look good. Keep us posted on the scoly, that's a nice one. Just start with the lower concentration.

Tahoe61 · Nov 30, 2017

Interceptor will probably kill them. Maybe the images is over illuminated but the Scoly looks pale, is it receiving too much light.

Mikedawg · Nov 30, 2017

DSC reef said:
Dipping is a good idea. The bugs don't look good. Keep us posted on the scoly, that's a nice one. Just start with the lower concentration.

Thanks. Moved two other scolys over and am now waiting to see if these two bugs come out to play later today. I'm getting ready to move these, symphillia and other corals to a new tank and now my plans are on hold.

Tahoe61 said:
Interceptor will probably kill them. Maybe the images is over illuminated but the Scoly looks pale, is it receiving too much light.

Thanks. Think the light problem is my cheap phone combined with Biocube 32 leds ; going to move it to Hydra 26s as soon as, if, it is healthy.
I've read about Interceptor; what dilution would you recommend?

Tahoe61 · Nov 30, 2017

I would have to go back and review the instructions but that is probably easily enough done. If you have crabs or shrimp you want to remove them prior to treatment. Other than risk to crabs and shrimp, Interceptor is a very effective and safe treatment. I have done it twice with excellent results, both times though were for Red Bugs.

Mikedawg · Nov 30, 2017

Tahoe61 said:
I would have to go back and review the instructions but that is probably easily enough done. If you have crabs or shrimp you want to remove them prior to treatment. Other than risk to crabs and shrimp, Interceptor is a very effective and safe treatment. I have done it twice with excellent results, both times though were for Red Bugs.

Thanks, have a friend who is a vet so I should be able to get some easily. And, I really like the idea of treating entire tank, not just dipping. I'm concerned about exporting my problem to new tank.

Tahoe61 · Nov 30, 2017

http://www.melevsreef.com/articles/red-bugs-no-more

Docdiggy · Nov 30, 2017

I used interceptor before for little bugs on my euphyllia. It worked. I pulled my crabs out before hand. Everything else looked normal during treatment. 3 weeks.

Docdiggy · Nov 30, 2017

I have lots if you have trouble getting it.

Mikedawg · Nov 30, 2017

Docdiggy said:
I used interceptor before for little bugs on my euphyllia. It worked. I pulled my crabs out before hand. Everything else looked normal during treatment. 3 weeks.

Thanks for information and offer, don't see any right now and so far so good, but I have to believe that there are more bugs hiding out, in egg stage, etc. in my tank. So you treated your entire tank after removing inverts? What dilution did you use? Remove carbon, etc.?

What I really like and benefit from are all the good, practical experiences on Reef2Reef.

Docdiggy · Dec 1, 2017

I treated the whole tank. Turbo snail and clam were never effected. I just removed a couple crabs. I think i used about a 1/3 of a pill for roughly 80 gallon volume. No carbon or skimmer. I used that dosage once a week for 3 weeks then carbon, skimmer, and WC. Through out the 3 week time I did a 5 gallon water change per week.