Can corals transfer hitchhikers?

PghReef · Feb 16, 2019

So I know stony corals ans corals attached to rock can transfer all kinds of things on the stone. How about softies?
I just set up a new tank but also have a small reef that is infested with aptasia that I am going to be taking down. Literally every square inch is aptasia except where blue mushrooms grew, I guess they're strong enough to fend off the aptasia?
Would it be safe to cut pieces of the mushroom off to transfer to the new tank? I would not transfer any rock ans would take a blade to the head of the mushroom leaving behind the part that's attached to the rock. Would any aptasia be able to be transferred like this?

GoVols · Feb 16, 2019

You could always get it right, then bring in Berghia nidi's as one option.

Just tossing out as an option depending on what type or if you have any wrasses.

reef lover · Feb 16, 2019

No they wouldnt transfer any appys if tou fresh cut them and leave the rock .

PghReef · Feb 16, 2019

So how do you go about securing the mushroom pieces to new rock sont they just shrink and slime up? Some kind of netting for a few weeks until they attach?

vetteguy53081 · Feb 16, 2019

Absolutely yes. I just bought out someone's tank this morning and left rock in buckets as I always suspect hitch hikers. Discovered: Brittle star, bristle worms, hermit crabs, stomella snails and even an acro crab.

reef lover · Feb 17, 2019

I use a Tupperware dish or similiar and put rubble in it for them to attatch.

mtraylor · Feb 17, 2019

Reefer1978 · Feb 17, 2019

All it takes is one spore and aiptasia is back. I'd clean it all up first, leave it alone for a few weeks to see if new aiptasia shows up, and then transfer.

Triggreef · Feb 17, 2019

You'll never avoid aptasia altogether. Eventually one will get by you. Better to learn how to get rid of them. Copper band butterfly, yellow long nose butterfly, or berghia nudis.