Feather duster or Aiptasia?

[Louisethenewbie]

I was having a close look at my corals yesterday as I was advised I had Vermetid snails (thanks to R2R people) & noticed something in between the polys on one of my zoas. I cannot tell if it’s a feather duster (had a few of these for a short while) or Aiptasia. Zoa seems otherwise fine. Attaching a video to see if anyone can help identify. Thanks.

 

[damsels are not mean]

videos don't work well here can you post photos?

 

[Louisethenewbie]

videos don't work well here can you post photos?

Yes will do. Video won’t attach. Thanks

 

[Louisethenewbie]

Yes will do. Video won’t attach. Thanks

Have posted a couple of photos although I appreciate they’re not the best for ID purposes.

 

[damsels are not mean]

I see now. I think that is aiptasia though unfortunately.

 

[Louisethenewbie]

I see now. I think that is aiptasia though unfortunately.

Yes unfortunately I think so too. It seems less uniform in shape than the feather dusters. Do you have any experience in Red Sea’s Aiptasia X? There appear to be different views on wether using it spreads the Aiptasia. I’m not confident in the H2O2 method so hoping to find an alternative

 

[Screwgunner]

Crazy glue it in the rock all done.

 

[Louisethenewbie]

Crazy glue it in the rock all done.

Will the zoa be okay with that?

 

[A Young Reefer]

Will the zoa be okay with that?

yes as long you don't glue the aiptasia. You probably have more in the tank, I would recommend something like peppermint shrimp to keep them at bay. If you choose the chemical route franks F aiptasia is a great option.

 

[A Young Reefer]

Yes unfortunately I think so too. It seems less uniform in shape than the feather dusters. Do you have any experience in Red Sea’s Aiptasia X? There appear to be different views on wether using it spreads the Aiptasia. I’m not confident in the H2O2 method so hoping to find an alternative

I used red seas aiptasia x and most people (including me) noticed that the numbers will immediately explode after using it so it isn't very effective, counter productive if you ask me. you could also use kalk paste. https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/guide-to-common-hitchhikers-in-reef-tanks.861/

 

[Screwgunner]

Pull the rock out of the water with crazy glue ready . Zoas will shine up watch the aptasia when he dissappear in the rock cover that spot with glue . Not zoas! It works as long as you don't have hundreds of them.

 

[Screwgunner]

Pull the rock out of the water with crazy glue ready . Zoas will shine up watch the aptasia when he dissappear in the rock cover that spot with glue . Not zoas! It works as long as you don't have hundreds of them.

Shrink up

 

[steven325]

Aptasia! Burn the house down an start over! Hahahah no but for real peppermint shrimp, file fish, or chemical of your choice.

 

[G Santana]

Yeah, they love to hide in zoas, I know

 

[damsels are not mean]

I would not go and buy non-reef safe fish like filefish to eat a single aiptasia. Use any of the aiptasia killing products (they are all the same chemical) I have a 100% success rate (twice) of completely eliminating aiptasia in my tank in exactly the same situation you are in with one in the middle of a zoa colony.

 

[DJF]

F-aptasia (franks) is different than other chemicals as will harden up around the aptasia basically doing what the glue would do. The super glue is a good suggestion. Other chemicals give the opportunity for the aptasia to pull in and survive the application. Peppermints are the best natural route for a reef but if you don’t keep them fed, they’ll keep themselves fed with your coral.

 

[Louisethenewbie]

Aptasia! Burn the house down an start over! Hahahah no but for real peppermint shrimp, file fish, or chemical of your choice.

Thanks. Have today purchased peppermint shrimp & Red Sea Aiptasia X. LFS says that Aiptasia X will most likely make it release spores & shrimp should eat the baby aiptasia. Will have to see how it goes.

 

[Louisethenewbie]

I would not go and buy non-reef safe fish like filefish to eat a single aiptasia. Use any of the aiptasia killing products (they are all the same chemical) I have a 100% success rate (twice) of completely eliminating aiptasia in my tank in exactly the same situation you are in with one in the middle of a zoa colony.

Thanks. Have today purchased peppermint shrimp & Red Sea Aiptasia X. LFS says that Aiptasia X will most likely make it release spores & shrimp should eat the baby aiptasia. Will have to see how it goes.

I would not go and buy non-reef safe fish like filefish to eat a single aiptasia. Use any of the aiptasia killing products (they are all the same chemical) I have a 100% success rate (twice) of completely eliminating aiptasia in my tank in exactly the same situation you are in with one in the middle of a zoa colony.

 

[Louisethenewbie]

I would not go and buy non-reef safe fish like filefish to eat a single aiptasia. Use any of the aiptasia killing products (they are all the same chemical) I have a 100% success rate (twice) of completely eliminating aiptasia in my tank in exactly the same situation you are in with one in the middle of a zoa colony.

Thanks. Have today purchased peppermint shrimp & Red Sea Aiptasia X. LFS says that Aiptasia X will most likely make it release spores & shrimp should eat the baby aiptasia. Will have to see how it goes.

 

[Louisethenewbie]

Thanks to everyone for your advice/help.