Dealing with digtate hydroids?

[muzikalmatt]

So I'm fairly certain I have a few digitate hydroids in my main tank. I've seen probably 3 or 4 putting out their telltale strings from my frag rack at night. When I shine a light on them they retract. So far they don't see to be bothering the zoas, but I'm wondering how proactive I should be about trying to get rid of them. From my brief research, I know the best way to combat them is to try and starve them out but I'm wondering if there are other methods available, especially since their location is pretty easily accessible. It's not like they're tucked into the rockwork where I can't get to them. Thoughts?

 

[vetteguy53081]

While they can multiply and sting nearby coral, the idea to rid of them is to direct water flow towards them and not at them causing them not to obtain food and thereby starve

 

[Nano sapiens]

I consider them as bad (or worse) than aiptasia.

Since they are readily accessible (lucky you), I'd remove their 'foot' since they will sting and eventually kill coral if the flow directs them that way.

 

[muzikalmatt]

Thanks for the feedback! I may just pull the frag rack entirely and see if I can pull them off of it. Like I said, I could only see three or four of them so hopefully it should be fairly easy. I'll give it a shot and report back.

 

[Nano sapiens]

Thanks for the feedback! I may just pull the frag rack entirely and see if I can pull them off of it. Like I said, I could only see three or four of them so hopefully it should be fairly easy. I'll give it a shot and report back.

Try not to leave any pieces in the tank as they will regrow.

 

[shakacuz]

stumbled upon some threads regarding natural predators for these and came up with:

lynx nudibranch,
fringeback nudibranch,
sea hare dollabella ar.,
peppermint shrimp,
tiger cowrie (may not be reef safe),
some reports of filefish eating them as well.

i've had a sea hare before, and didn't notice a decline in hydroids (in my tank).