Treatment for redbugs?

[porpoiseaquatics]

So it would appear that redbugs have been introduced to my QT/Frag tank. I know exactly when and where they came from (and it pisses me off because I've NEVER had anything in my tanks). My question.....is there a safe way to treat the entire tank? I've got a couple different dips/treatments here that has worked on individual pieces. Open to suggestions since they are also crawling around on the frag racks in the tank.

 

[indecloudzua]

all ive heard of is the heartworm treatment but it kills inverts.

 

[picoreefguy]

ive heard dragon faced pipes will eat them but that would just help keep them in check rather than eradicate them

 

[sewer urchin]

Hey Jeff,

Came across a couple of links awhile back, first an old ARC thread:
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76175&highlight=bayer">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76175&highlight=bayer</a>

and a more detailed how to:
[IMG]http://www.socalireefs.com/forums/showthread.php?33899-Bayer-Insecticide-as-a-coral-dip">http://www.socalireefs.com/forums/showthread.php?33899-Bayer-Insecticide-as-a-coral-dip</a>

I should point out that several people describe this as a coral dip as opposed to a in tank treatment, so it doesn't answer your original question. The Socali link suggests that it's OK to treat some other stony corals with as well. I haven't seen these particular critters in my tank before so I don't have experience with treatments. Will follow along to gets suggested
Good luck

 

[hnguyen]

interceptor will do the trick. There's a huge thread on reefcentral about it.

 

[thefishbuddy]

Im pretty sure I have interceptor.

 

[mrflameangel]

thefishbuddy;921767 wrote: Im pretty sure I have interceptor.

That stuff is like gold. I wouldn't tell many people about. Lol. But yes it works great and have used it in the past.

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[thefishbuddy]

I have a good hook up.

 

[the fish store]

I know there have been some posts on Reef Central about the use of Sentinel, however, Dr. Erik Johnson, says that it is not safe like Interceptor (Milbeycin oxine active ingredient), because of the combined ingredients of Milbeycin and lufenuron. Since Interceptor was pulled off the market in 2012, people have worked with Ivermectin (Ivomec) with some success. 1800petmeds carries it with no prescription needed. Feed stores sometimes carry this as well.

There is also some reports of success from Revive as a dip and Prazi Pro (praziquantel active ingredient).

Dragon pipe fish will eat red bugs but will not control an infestation.

Hope this helps.

 

[enderg60]

I used interceptor and had great results with it. I use it to dip all incoming corals now.

Just call your vet and they will usually let you get it. If not PM me. Its not cheap though, like $50 a box but a box will last you AGES

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Well I got some Interceptor from another member. I used a 23mg pill crushed up over 3 doses and I think because the pill expired in early 2013.....the ingredients were weak as the last dose I did was probably half a pill and it didn't do the trick.

Anybody got a fresh pill or other options? Again...I need to treat the tank. I could treat individual pieces as I have some dip for that but I'm afraid that won't do the trick unless I treat it all.

 

[nassar0505]

I've got some sentinal 23mg. Just treated mine 1month ago. Wiped them out and haven't come back. This was on approx 200gallons, with no losses.

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[porpoiseaquatics]

If you're willing to sell a pill, I may want to take you up on it.

 

[nassar0505]

Of course. Just let me know

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[heathlindner25]

Jorge at work has told me that when you do multiple doses thats when you will lose inverts.
1 dose no problem

 

[wildernets]

I just need to treat one frag that is separated. Best way to do that? I do not have interceptor or the like.

 

[nassar0505]

wildernet;935994 wrote: I just need to treat one frag that is separated. Best way to do that? I do not have interceptor or the like.

Look up the Bayer method for redbugs. It works very well and they have it at Lowes or depot

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[porpoiseaquatics]

heathlindner25;935319 wrote: Jorge at work has told me that when you do multiple doses thats when you will lose inverts.
1 dose no problem

One dose didn't work and I didn't lose any inverts. In fact, I'm not sure the 3 doses that I did had ANY affect on my outbreak as they see to be worse than before I dosed. The Interceptor that I had gotten was expired on the package. I used 23mg on 40 gallons and nothing.

 

[wildernets]

The Bayer worked on the second try. The frag is angry though. May have gone a bit to far with my concentration. I'll know in the morning.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Thanks to another member....I got some Sentenal this time. I dissolved half of a pill in a pint of tank water. Once I did that, I poured it in my 40g breeder.

Here's my question....how do I know if it killed the red bugs? To me, live ones look the same as dead ones. They don't move much when alive so it's not like I can sit here and watch for some of them to move (I guess I could...but why would I want to?).