Pests....

[bearsfish]

Disclaimer - I do not have any pests. I do not even have water in my reef yet.

That said I have had issues in the past and because of this, I take a lot of time to pick out things that will eventually go into my tank. I am starting my tank up with dry rock as I have in the past. But in an effort to get ready I have started checking places in the area for live rock to seed my tank (aside from the one small bag of live sand that I will be using)

I go into the large box store nearest me this past weekend and look at their rocks. In the first few tanks, things look pretty good. Not wanting to limit my options I move onto the next rack.. and there is the most wonderful rock -

FULL of Aptasia. I mean there must have been 40 of these critters on there.

I guess (aside from complaining because this grinds my gears) I am asking if the rock from another tank (though likely tied into the same system) would be a risk for the pests?

At this moment I am thinking of avoiding the rock there, but I would like to hear other people's thoughts on this..

Oh and yes I mentioned the issue to the person working the department and rather than understanding that it was a problem he honestly said "Well if you buy it I won't way anything. That way we don't charge you for the freebies".. Thinking this was a joke I laughed and engaged the converstaion... Turns out he was serious. ....

 

[Albert Bazaar]

Disclaimer - I do not have any pests. I do not even have water in my reef yet.

That said I have had issues in the past and because of this, I take a lot of time to pick out things that will eventually go into my tank. I am starting my tank up with dry rock as I have in the past. But in an effort to get ready I have started checking places in the area for live rock to seed my tank (aside from the one small bag of live sand that I will be using)

I go into the large box store nearest me this past weekend and look at their rocks. In the first few tanks, things look pretty good. Not wanting to limit my options I move onto the next rack.. and there is the most wonderful rock -

FULL of Aptasia. I mean there must have been 40 of these critters on there.

I guess (aside from complaining because this grinds my gears) I am asking if the rock from another tank (though likely tied into the same system) would be a risk for the pests?

At this moment I am thinking of avoiding the rock there, but I would like to hear other people's thoughts on this..

Oh and yes I mentioned the issue to the person working the department and rather than understanding that it was a problem he honestly said "Well if you buy it I won't way anything. That way we don't charge you for the freebies".. Thinking this was a joke I laughed and engaged the converstaion... Turns out he was serious. ....

All depends on whether they have a central system with a adequate UV sterilizer and sterilize theirs nets between aquariums.
Any kind of live rock from the ocean can harbor pests period.They can hide inside for months and you'll never see them until they have the right conditions to flourish.This is usually when you have all kinds of corals or fish in the tanks.only way to be 100% is to use dry rock ,cycle it in your tank or somewhere else in the dark doping with ammonia.When the nitrates hit high add some vodka and when the nitrates start falling to 15-20 add to your tank with some livestock,lights,etc.to give nutrition to your careful cultured bacteria.

 

[BeejReef]

I've been reefing for about 20 minutes and have seen worms and various larvae wriggle out of a freshly dipped favia an hour after I put it in the tank. Lost the battle you're fighting before I even knew it had begun ;Joyful

 

[Albert Bazaar]

I've been reefing for about 20 minutes and have seen worms and various larvae wriggle out of a freshly dipped favia an hour after I put it in the tank. Lost the battle you're fighting before I even knew it had begun ;Joyful

I guess it's true all battles are won before they are ever fought!!!LOL,