How do you get rid of Aiptasia anemones?

[biocubebrandon]

Hi everyone I am sure these questions have been asked before in the past but since I am new here I want to make a series of threads on different topics to learn what others do. In this hobby you have 10 ways to get the same thing done. I want to see your opinions and how you would take care of a situation. I will give what I have learned after 5 years in the hobby.

For this thread:

How do you get rid of Aiptasia anemones?

Natural predators (Peppermint shrimp, filefish), Aiptasia X or laser, etc.

For me what has always worked was Peppermint shrimps, sure they can be a hit or miss but I have used them to get rid/control Aiptasia. Sometimes I added a few at a time.

 

[popsbjd]

Only surefire way is berghia nudibranchs.

 

[morganatlanta]

I got a bonded pair of these filefish from Divers Den. Cool little fish and definitely took care of the aiptasia. Haven't seen any in a year.

Aiptasia Eating Filefish: Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums

www.liveaquaria.com

 

[morganatlanta]

Aiptasia-X did not work for me. The aiptasia kept coming back.

 

[snowmansnow]

Howdy.
Peppermint shrimp have always worked for me. It takes about 2 weeks. BUT it takes more shrimp than you may think I have 8 in my 80 gallon shallow.
I hit all the aptasia I could get to with Joe's Juice for a few days, then added the shrimp. I got the shrimp from Reef Shaq

Best of luck to you

 

[jcook54]

I use Aptasia-X. I haven't had a peppermint shrimp in years but when Aptasia-X isn't enough to keep them in check, I'll pick one up. This combination has worked well for me over the years. For me the key when using Aptasia-X is to kill them as soon as they pop up. As soon as I see one, I squirt it, let it sit for a few minutes and then remove what's left of the Aptasia-X with a turkey baster. I'm sure this final step isn't necessary but it's what I do.

 

[90gDreams]

I tend to use superglue gel but the key is to get them as soon as you see them, otherwise one day you wake up to an aiptasia infested hellscape. I had great luck with CBB years ago but they are such delicate fish I don't think I'd role the dice twice.