So I've been mulling over actually getting out of the hobby for about a month now. It was a Saturday, just like any other. The lights turn on around 12:30. I was looking at it and examining the frags on the frag rack (I do this regularly about three times a day out of obsession).
I saw an Efflo frag that looked like it was browning out. So I pulled it to examine it. I saw small round circles on the base of the new encrusting part of the corals. I initially went into panic mode. Then I realized it - I am seeing bite marks from Acro Eating Flatworms (AEFW).
I've read a great deal about pests over the years, from zoa eating spiders to montipora eating nudibraches. So I was familiar with the tell tale signs of AEFW. Lost color, receding base, slowed growth. I just never connected them.
Upon further examination, I found a very small cluster of about 10-20 eggs. While scraping these off, I confirmed my every fear - a LARGE 1/4" flatworm handily seen from the frag drying in the open air.
I can't get out - I've got salt deep in my veins. I'd be back in before I could get rid of everything.
I hope to document every step I take to eliminate the "Reef Aids" I've contracted. These elusive creatures are no walk in the park. I take a lot of pride in having a pristine reef. It feels like I've been violated.
I don't know where they came from, when I got them - nor could I even venture a guess. I've purchased and traded around 50 frags this year, from numerous people. The bottom line is I have them - that is enough. I love trading in this hobby - it is actually one of my favorite parts. I can't/won't do it with AEFW. Period.
So, my journey to a pest free tank begins. I'm still working on drawing up a good plan at this point. I've started to use a turkey baster and I'm blowing the acros off daily or every other day for now. My 40B frag tank will likely become a recovery/quarantine tank for the acros. I have around 40 acros (some frags, some colonies) that I'll need to get off of the rocks. Complete removal and treatment is the only way to get rid of AEFW. This will be an 8-10 week process, with dipping every two-three days of each coral. I'm less than ecstatic to say the least.
Any thoughts/ideas are more than welcomed. I'm currently in contact with a scientist that is working with Eric Borneman closely on examining the life cycle of these pests. They are several months away from publishing their findings, but she has helped as much as she can at this point.
Wish me luck! To any who might have been infected (I don't know if anyone was, and I'm hoping not!) I'm truly sorry. I'll house and treat any frags that need to be treated if they will fit.
:|
I saw an Efflo frag that looked like it was browning out. So I pulled it to examine it. I saw small round circles on the base of the new encrusting part of the corals. I initially went into panic mode. Then I realized it - I am seeing bite marks from Acro Eating Flatworms (AEFW).
I've read a great deal about pests over the years, from zoa eating spiders to montipora eating nudibraches. So I was familiar with the tell tale signs of AEFW. Lost color, receding base, slowed growth. I just never connected them.
Upon further examination, I found a very small cluster of about 10-20 eggs. While scraping these off, I confirmed my every fear - a LARGE 1/4" flatworm handily seen from the frag drying in the open air.
I can't get out - I've got salt deep in my veins. I'd be back in before I could get rid of everything.
I hope to document every step I take to eliminate the "Reef Aids" I've contracted. These elusive creatures are no walk in the park. I take a lot of pride in having a pristine reef. It feels like I've been violated.
I don't know where they came from, when I got them - nor could I even venture a guess. I've purchased and traded around 50 frags this year, from numerous people. The bottom line is I have them - that is enough. I love trading in this hobby - it is actually one of my favorite parts. I can't/won't do it with AEFW. Period.
So, my journey to a pest free tank begins. I'm still working on drawing up a good plan at this point. I've started to use a turkey baster and I'm blowing the acros off daily or every other day for now. My 40B frag tank will likely become a recovery/quarantine tank for the acros. I have around 40 acros (some frags, some colonies) that I'll need to get off of the rocks. Complete removal and treatment is the only way to get rid of AEFW. This will be an 8-10 week process, with dipping every two-three days of each coral. I'm less than ecstatic to say the least.
Any thoughts/ideas are more than welcomed. I'm currently in contact with a scientist that is working with Eric Borneman closely on examining the life cycle of these pests. They are several months away from publishing their findings, but she has helped as much as she can at this point.
Wish me luck! To any who might have been infected (I don't know if anyone was, and I'm hoping not!) I'm truly sorry. I'll house and treat any frags that need to be treated if they will fit.
:|