Cutting Birdsnest

Trouble1375

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SPS Newbie question. I have a mini colony of birdsnest - about 6 weeks ago we had to do a 90% water change and the tips of the birdsnest STN'd and grew algae on them. The rest of the colony looks great now - awesome color and polyp extension but the tips have ugly brown algae on them. I can't take the colony out of the tank and I'm afraid to put the metal nippers in the tank (they were in my regular tool box and bit dusty). Is there someway to make them safe to use in my aquarium or do I need to go to LFS and get a pair of bone-cutters before I proceed?
 
Is the question "can I use a pair of metal pliers in my marine tank that I use for other stuff and keep with my other tools without causing damage to my aquarium"? If so, the answer is yes in theory, but in practice, I think it depends a lot on what you do with your tools. If they mostly sit in a box collecting dust (no judgment; that's what mine do), I'd feel much safer than if you use them to do plumbing or welding work, for instance.

If any of your tools have been exposed to any harsh chemicals or acids, for instance, I'd be concerned about chemical transfer and probably not bother. If you're really set on doing this, though, I'd give them a thorough washing. First just in tap water to get rid of the dust, and then dry with a microfiber cloth. If any visible oils or gunk come off beyond dust, or there's any visible rust, spotting, or deterioration on the tool, I'd stop there. If they are dusty but otherwise pristine, I'd give a wash in treated water you would feel ok putting in your aquarium and then set to work.

That being said, it would still be safer to have a dedicated set of tools for just your aquarium, and that's what I'd recommend. I have a scrub brush that I use for washing dishes, for instance, and a separate one for scrubbing liverock. Just because I could clean the scrub brush well enough for it to do both doesn't mean I'd feel safe doing it.
 
Is the question "can I use a pair of metal pliers in my marine tank that I use for other stuff and keep with my other tools without causing damage to my aquarium"? If so, the answer is yes in theory, but in practice, I think it depends a lot on what you do with your tools. If they mostly sit in a box collecting dust (no judgment; that's what mine do), I'd feel much safer than if you use them to do plumbing or welding work, for instance.

If any of your tools have been exposed to any harsh chemicals or acids, for instance, I'd be concerned about chemical transfer and probably not bother. If you're really set on doing this, though, I'd give them a thorough washing. First just in tap water to get rid of the dust, and then dry with a microfiber cloth. If any visible oils or gunk come off beyond dust, or there's any visible rust, spotting, or deterioration on the tool, I'd stop there. If they are dusty but otherwise pristine, I'd give a wash in treated water you would feel ok putting in your aquarium and then set to work.

That being said, it would still be safer to have a dedicated set of tools for just your aquarium, and that's what I'd recommend. I have a scrub brush that I use for washing dishes, for instance, and a separate one for scrubbing liverock. Just because I could clean the scrub brush well enough for it to do both doesn't mean I'd feel safe doing it.
I’m not sure what they were last used for. It was the set of tools I bought 7 years ago when I got divorced so I’d have stuff in case I needed it. I know lots of stuff - screwdrivers hammers drills have gotten used but I will practice better safe than sorry and get a dedicated set of bone cutters. I only have 3 SPS and thought if I could use something I already had I would. I’ve had enough random issues I’ll pass on creating one I could prevent.
 
Keep it simple, your current pliers/cutters are fine unless you need something bigger for a bigger/thicker coral. Just rinse them off and get to snipping.
 
Thank you everyone. I've made some dumb newbie mistakes with the tank and, after 2 years, it's finally starting to look like a reef. Nothing like starting in a 5 gallon nano and jumping to a 125 within a few months.
 
What kind of birdsnest is it? You should be able to just snap the tips with your fingers unless it's a thicker species.
I'm not quite sure. It's not super fine tip but not as thick as the forest fire digi or the stylo that are also in the tank. Base color is greenish with blue (maybe purple) polyps.
 
I'm not quite sure. It's not super fine tip but not as thick as the forest fire digi or the stylo that are also in the tank. Base color is greenish with blue (maybe purple) polyps.
Okay. Yeah. I would just snap off the tips with my fingers. Scissors would even do the trick. Doesn't take much to get through the thinner sps like that. Good luck.
 
My recommendation would be to buy a cheap pair of bone cutters to keep for aquarium uses. I bought a cheap pair off Amazon originally for cutting the stems off of frag plugs, but I use them all the time for much more than that. I keep them away from my tools so no chance of getting grease or oil on them.

It sounds like your birdsnest is possibly a Birds of Paradise from the description.
 
My recommendation would be to buy a cheap pair of bone cutters to keep for aquarium uses. I bought a cheap pair off Amazon originally for cutting the stems off of frag plugs, but I use them all the time for much more than that. I keep them away from my tools so no chance of getting grease or oil on them.

It sounds like your birdsnest is possibly a Birds of Paradise from the description.
I went to my LFS yesterday and bought a set and they will stay with my stuff. They are hanging on a hook on the shelfs with my test kits now.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%

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