You might be able to get away with snipping it if you can get something long enough. That won't get rid of it as it would grow back from what I've seen, but it would definitely slow down propagation. Not sure what if any toxins would be released in the process. From there you could probably glue new rock frags over top so the nubs would eventually die off gradually.
Kenya Tree Predator?
- Thread starter OrionN
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I'm not aware of a fish that will eat a Kenya Tree or any of its loose children. Xenia there are a few but Kenya Tree's we are not so lucky. Also as already noted while you can manually remove you have to be careful because the base that is left behind on the rock will grow back. Similar to other soft corals. I understand you are not able to reach some areas of the tank, unfortunately I know this all to well myself after having my hip replaced in February and a 30" tall / deep tank, what about friends or family? I have found the best way to do this is:
1. Long Forceps (heavy duty)
2. Shoulder length gloves
3. Ladder
4. Cup of water
5. Mask
6. Reach in while safely on ladder, clamp forceps as close to the rock as possible. Curved bottom forceps work best
7. Gently pull to the left or right to peel off the piece of Kenya Tree for removal
8. Left out slowly, dip in cup of water, release
9. Repeat for about 20 minutes
10. Play a bit of music or go outside and kick a bush - either works
11. Come back later and apply reef safe epoxy over area you pulled. Just remember to make it such that you can pull that off after a couple weeks
I do this with Xenia. I've done this with GHA. Slow process but it works. The other option is to counter it with another coral that stings. Some Gorgonian's come to mind that could help counter it. Picking up the floaters is another. Shading light to that area also works. DO NOT INCREASE FLOW - that will just blow them around and make matters worse.
Last resort is this - grow them. Get them super healthy so that they have a thicker stock. Then you can pull them off easier. I don't think I really have an answer for you. I apologize. It can be a pretty coral. I'm a softie person so have it in my tank. However, it seems to be kept in check. My issue is the rose bubble tip anemones that are starting to sting the few sps corals I have that are starting to mature
Hope you have an amazing day. Stay safe!
1. Long Forceps (heavy duty)
2. Shoulder length gloves
3. Ladder
4. Cup of water
5. Mask
6. Reach in while safely on ladder, clamp forceps as close to the rock as possible. Curved bottom forceps work best
7. Gently pull to the left or right to peel off the piece of Kenya Tree for removal
8. Left out slowly, dip in cup of water, release
9. Repeat for about 20 minutes
10. Play a bit of music or go outside and kick a bush - either works
11. Come back later and apply reef safe epoxy over area you pulled. Just remember to make it such that you can pull that off after a couple weeks
I do this with Xenia. I've done this with GHA. Slow process but it works. The other option is to counter it with another coral that stings. Some Gorgonian's come to mind that could help counter it. Picking up the floaters is another. Shading light to that area also works. DO NOT INCREASE FLOW - that will just blow them around and make matters worse.
Last resort is this - grow them. Get them super healthy so that they have a thicker stock. Then you can pull them off easier. I don't think I really have an answer for you. I apologize. It can be a pretty coral. I'm a softie person so have it in my tank. However, it seems to be kept in check. My issue is the rose bubble tip anemones that are starting to sting the few sps corals I have that are starting to mature
Hope you have an amazing day. Stay safe!
MixedFruitBasket
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You could always acquire a couple of cowrie snails. They are soft coral predators.
OP
OP
This I got to try. i dont really have much other soft corals. a few mushroom, and Leather toad stool.
OP
OP
If I can reach I can just tear it off the rock. Injecting it IMO just kill it and add nutrients to our tank. It is easy to pull it of the rock.
MixedFruitBasket
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Yes. There is a Kenya tree predator. But do NOT put them in your tank if you have other softies unless you can completely remove them. They will devour any and all octorcorals.
First one is the Cowerie. There are several varieties. I have enclosed a photo of the one I know is a soft coral predator. Not sure if the larger more available ones are, but I presume they are since it's the same species. You'd need to research it. The second are "sea slugs/nudibranch". One is a Flamingo tongue (No picture) the other is Tritoniopsis elegant. Picture below. Those come mostly in white to yellow and orange. Maybe some reds or dark oranges I'm not sure. They are surprisingly difficult to see once released despite their bright coloration. They move very slowly and look a lot like sponge or a tunicate when they are attached to a rock. They can also be hard to peel off the rock.
First one is the Cowerie. There are several varieties. I have enclosed a photo of the one I know is a soft coral predator. Not sure if the larger more available ones are, but I presume they are since it's the same species. You'd need to research it. The second are "sea slugs/nudibranch". One is a Flamingo tongue (No picture) the other is Tritoniopsis elegant. Picture below. Those come mostly in white to yellow and orange. Maybe some reds or dark oranges I'm not sure. They are surprisingly difficult to see once released despite their bright coloration. They move very slowly and look a lot like sponge or a tunicate when they are attached to a rock. They can also be hard to peel off the rock.
OP
OP
If you are able to lift a slight edge off the rock you can peel from this edge and all of the coral will come off. If not the tiny thin bit of tissue will take a long time to regrow again.
OP
OP
I think I find a common predator of Kenyan Tree. I know that Pencil Urchin is a omnivore, sometime they eat corals. I have a Pencil Sea urchin in my 65 gal tank, and also have a few small piece of the Kenya Tree in this tank. I plan to watch this coral like a hawk. Prune and remove aggressively to keep it from taken over my tank.
Anyway, several Kenya tree frag disappeared overnight, near the Pencil Urchin. I brought a small rock with a colony of Kenya tree on it to test and see if the Pencil Urchin will eat it or not. I was quickly rewarded with the Pencil Sea Urchin chomping down on the Kenya tree. In the picture below, right in the middle of the picture is a Kenya stalk been chomped down by the Urchin. I will tank picture of this branch, or what remain of it tomorrow.
So those of us with a Kenya tree infestation, be encourage. There is a way to control this pest after all. I am getting an army of Pencil Urchin for my tank.
Anyway, several Kenya tree frag disappeared overnight, near the Pencil Urchin. I brought a small rock with a colony of Kenya tree on it to test and see if the Pencil Urchin will eat it or not. I was quickly rewarded with the Pencil Sea Urchin chomping down on the Kenya tree. In the picture below, right in the middle of the picture is a Kenya stalk been chomped down by the Urchin. I will tank picture of this branch, or what remain of it tomorrow.
So those of us with a Kenya tree infestation, be encourage. There is a way to control this pest after all. I am getting an army of Pencil Urchin for my tank.
