I HAVE RED BUGS!!!! Interceptor HELP...

Zombie · Apr 3, 2012

I have been loosing Acros since my move and now I found red bugs. They probably were always in the system but now that the colonies are dwindling they are moving on to fewer pieces. I got interceptor 11.5 mg for 20-50 lbs. What dosage for around 450 gallon system???

Thanks.

The bugs are probably not the main problem with the Acroporas but they aren't helping the situation.

I am thinking 23 mg, two tablets.

swannyson7 · Apr 3, 2012

Here's a good explanation for treatment & dosage:
Melevsreef.com - Interceptor | Red Bug treatment

Zombie · Apr 3, 2012

How many mg is " (large) " tablet?

swannyson7 · Apr 3, 2012

A large tablet for 51-100 lbs is 23 mg.
A medium tablet for 26-50 lbs is 11.5 mg.
A small tablet for 11-25 lbs is 5.75 mg.

Zombie · Apr 3, 2012

Ok I just saw the picture had the mg. in it. lol
So I dose two 11.5 mg pills.

swannyson7 · Apr 3, 2012

Yep, just be sure to complete the follow up doses to be sure that you get any eggs that may hatch.

apicturepaints · Apr 3, 2012

Good luck with the interceptor treatment. I'm sure you're already know this, but the best treatment for red bug is prevention. Dip anything new before putting it in your tank.

swannyson7 · Apr 3, 2012

apicturepaints said:
Good luck with the interceptor treatment. I'm sure you're already know this, but the best treatment for red bug is prevention. Dip anything new before putting it in your tank.

While this is true, most dips aren't effective against redbugs. Bayer pesticide dips are somewhat effective, although not a surefire deterrent and interceptor get's expensive quickly if you plan on using it for all new additions. Plus, dips won't kill the eggs of pests. The only real way to be safe is to dip followed by a prolonged QT/observation on all fish and corals prior to adding them to your system.

Zombie · Apr 4, 2012

Well my two acro grabs are goners. I couldn't remove them from a tabling acropora that was not dead. It is the healthiest acro in the tank and I wasn't going to destroy it trying to get them out. My pods look fine and running everywhere. I don't see a red bug on anything. In a few hours I am going to start skimming again.

How many weeks will the drug still be in the system after I resume skimming?
Does the drug have a half life in an aquarium, if so what is it?

Zombie · Apr 4, 2012

To do the second dose, do you have to run carbon etc. first? Does the drug stay active in the system if you don't for more the seven days?
Will it breakdown over time or does it need to be removed?