What is this and how can I stop it from multiplying?

[Mary Carmen]

There used to be only one, and it was very small. Now, I think there are several around it. Not sure what to do.

 

[McFly]

Aiptasia, welcome to the club. There are products available to manage it.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Aiptasia. Pest anemone. The only sure way I found was to toss the rock they are on. Other ways seem to just keep them at bay.

 

[Mary Carmen]

How about picking them up with tweezers? Possible?

 

[VKP01]

How about picking them up with tweezers? Possible?

If you irritate them they’ll spawn. Usually have to very carefully target them with something like AptasiaX

 

[DangerDave]

Fire works. So does aptasia eating nudis. I'd recommend management with aptasia x and peppermint shrimp.

 

[rkpetersen]

Feed each of them a bit of Aiptasia X, Joe's Juice, or similar product.
Do it with the flow reduced or off. Use a syringe. Make sure only the aiptasias get some.

 

[Mary Carmen]

Used lemon juice and killed 3. Then found 2 in the sand. I still have 2 or 3 more to go.

 

[ColdOceanReef]

Aptasias. Get nudi branch.
File fish is also an option, but too risky on zoas.

 

[jkobel]

Old thread so maybe you're all set but I fought an infestation that was literally out of control in my 75gal.

Tried Aptasia X (worked but only on stuff I could reach) Copperband (died suddenly) Filefish (eaten by plate coral). Finally tried 2 peppermint shrimp and all Aptasia was gone in about 2 weeks.

Been completely clear ever since, about 2 years now.

 

[vetteguy53081]

How about picking them up with tweezers? Possible?

NO Tweezers !1 they will release spores that hatch new ones and become an infestation.

 

[vetteguy53081]

kleini butterfly is your best defense. I have 1 in 2 of my tanks. Pretty fish, hardy (eats anything you drop in tank), peaceful and does not bother coral.
Mine got rid of an infestion in my cube tank in 4 days

 

[tripdad]

Rain down fire and brimstone on them! Gosh, the person who finally figures out a selective in tank kill for them will own the world,lol.

 

[mta_morrow]

Search here for F-Aiptasia from Franks Tanks. Guaranteed killer and superior to Aiptasia X and the others.

I used Berghia nudibranchs to eradicate my population of aiptasia. They multipled like crazy using Aiptasia X.

I have had 5 show up since and F-Aiptasia worked in every one.

 

[gdubs]

The best resolution is to purchase enough berghia nudibranch to completely consume all the aiptasia.

 

[Mary Carmen]

I used lemon juice and a syringe. I have two little ones left to kill. They were too small to accurately inject the lemon juice in the center. I am waiting for them to grow. So far it is working.