Out of control Aptasia

erndog · Apr 13, 2012

To say I have Aptasia is the understatement of the century.And where I got them is pretty much moot as well at this point.They have overrun my 125 gal in about 6 months and now number in the 100's if not 1000's. I mean they cover just about every square of everything!!When I first noticed them I started trying different remedies to get rid of them.Now I have tried every method conceivable to no avail.So before I shut the whole thing down and start over I have a couple of questions.
I put 15 berghia nudibranch in the tank about 2 1/2 months ago.I was told that it takes up to 4 months for these to make a difference.However I would think that by now there would be at least SOME reduction in numbers.But I really don't see it.Anyone have any experience with these nudibranchs? I would like to hear your results and the time it took to get them?
Thanks to all in advance for any advise

Tank102a · Apr 13, 2012

I had a TON if aptasia, and like you nothing worked. Till I put a coperband in the tank. He made short work of the aptasia. But soon after my zoas started melting and I'm not entirely sure that he had nothing to due with it.

reefpeeper · Apr 13, 2012

do you have alot of zoas? if not there is some type of filefish that eats them. i just forgot the name. i had one and it do a good job, but did eat some of my zoas.

SDguy · Apr 13, 2012

My matted filefish ate every aptasia and majano in my 150g, and has never touched a coral. A much hardier, smaller, and overall better choice than a copperband (unless you actually just want a copperband :bigsmile: )

slapshot · Apr 13, 2012

Sdguy makes good points. Both fish will do the job. I have also gotten to the point of dipping the face (not the whole thing) of rocks in boiling water. No more aptasia

swannyson7 · Apr 13, 2012

My matted filefish ate all of my aiptasia, but then developed a taste for zoas & LPS.

reefez · Apr 13, 2012

Take out as much LR as you can without starting a mini cycle and tourch it & cure it again hit the rest with Red Sea RX this takes some commitment & time to get under control you will not get it all but now you can get a CB that will only eat baby aiptasi or your nudis are the same way. Good luck W/it it is a long task but you will get it under control.

Dowtish · Apr 13, 2012

If it is as bad as you say, unless you can find a critter to eat them (berghia, filefish, copperband, peppermint shrimp) using any other kind of product (lemon juice, aiptasia x etc.) will probably just make it worse.