Aiptasia in new setup

[sleepyreef]

I have had my tank up and running for about three weeks. I have noticed some very small aiptasia on my live rock. I talking very small. This is my first saltwater setup.

I have only noticed it on one rock, the one with the most life on it so far. I am not sure what to do. I have seen about 4 very small ones. Looking for suggestions.

Keep in mind that this is my first setup.

Thanks.

 

[Jaycen B.]

After the cycle is complete add at least 3 peppermint shrimp and they should take care of the little nasties. Or Acroholic's reef napalm.

 

[stillfocus]

Definitely Peppermint shrimp.

 

[winkkle]

Just make sure that they are true peppermint shrimp as the camel back shrimp look identical but wont touch the aiptasia. Injecting them with lemon juice works as well.

 

[k3nnyp]

I had one fairly large guy in my new setup. My cleaning contained 4 peppermints, 2 cleaners and 1 coral banded. The aptasia was gone in the morning.

 

[sleepyreef]

I have a 20 gallon setup. Should I still go with three peppermint shrimp?

 

[hammcd]

ive got one peppermint in a 30 gallon as well

Edit: ive had a few peppermint shrimp...the larger you can get the more likely theyll eat apstasia ..ive had smaller ones that didnt touch it

 

[umbrellacorp]

i didnt know peppermint shrimp ate aptasia. Guess ill have to get some. Unfortunately i have several good size ap's on two pieces of my live rock. Ill have to get some peps.

 

[redstang]

I had a couple on my LR rock when I started my system. For one I dipped the rock where the aptasia was into boiling water. The next I just loaded a syringe with boiling water and squirted it. Seems to have been effective.

 

[silver surfer]

Don't use peppermint shrimp. The best thing to use is aptasia X. You don't have many and peppermint shrimp will eat them but only if you have a small tank, have several peppermint shrimp and they are hungry enough. If you have 25+ maybe but try the aptasia X and follow the instructions.

 

[darcurr]

use the shrimp, mine eats aiptasia like it's going out of style. Beware though. Mine has eaten a small rock nem too.

 

[coolsurf]

A true peppermint shrimp will devour Aiptasia quickly. I would probably get like 2 or three for a 30 gallon. One day you'll look in the tank and "poof", the Aiptasia will be gone. The shrimp may hide but do an excellent job of keeping up with it.

 

[dave green]

+1 on Coolsurf...

I am 1 for 6 with peppermint shrimp, but that one did the job.... And has kept the job done ever since

 

[skriz]

Take the rock out and nuke it now. Don't wait until you can</em> add a natural predator. Get them out for good while you have the chance.

 

[sleepyreef]

Update:

I purchased two peppermint shrimp on Friday. On Sunday there was less aiptasia. Then on Monday I witnessed one of the shrimp going to town on the last remaining good size aiptasia.

 

[stillfocus]

Glad to hear it worked out.