AEFW - Restart?

[Charlie the Reefer]

Been procrastinating posting this thread. I've been really successful with Acros. Virtually no issues in awhile, and I have some nice dinner plate colonies. About 6 months ago I discovered I had AEFW. Definitely a really crappy experience, I'm sure the guys here can relate.

Here's what this thread is about. Part of the fun in this hobby I feel like is trading/selling your coral down the line. I feel very uncomfortable doing that knowing I'm potentially infecting someone's collection with AEFW. However, after having candid convos with a lot of guys in the game (witholding info here), is this the type of thing that just everyone has and manages (like Aiptasia)? Or do some of you hardcore SPS collectors actually manage (via quarantine, etc) to not have AEFW?

I understand there are "Management" strategies. I don't like that. I'm not down for doing KCL dips continually, turkey basting, etc. To me, you're just delaying the inevitable, and taking that approach is a huge risk you sell a coral to someone with a little AEFW egg on it.


Basically, the next question for me is do I just restart my SPS collection and simply do better this time. It would be a really massive blow, I have an awesome collection with like 30 dif acros... I would really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this situation. Thanks!

 

[bubbgee]

I've heard proactive dosing of Interceptor in tank every six months by farms and most acropora collectors, but that also means no inverts in the tank. I have a six line wrasse hunting actively so thats my first recourse but I am also thinking of getting a dragon face pipefish for other bugs.

 

[coral reeftank]

If you can, remove all the bases and commit to two months of dedicated weekly dips in KCL. After this period, sporadically dip pieces at staggered intervals to see if there any stragglers. To make it less painful, build a system where you can systematically and efficiently process the corals in the dip.

There are also many ways to holistically strengthen the coral and build resilience against aefw. Some people choose to live with them, I do not.

Ideally you process everything through a QT system and apply a zero tolerance policy so you don’t infect anything in your collection. Once you start amassing hundreds of acros or have huge colonies you’ll realize how important it is to properly prevent infection.

AEFW eradication is possible, as long as you have the diligence and fortitude to stick to the dipping regimen

 

[coral reeftank]

I've heard proactive dosing of Interceptor in tank every six months by farms and most acropora collectors, but that also means no inverts in the tank. I have a six line wrasse hunting actively so thats my first recourse but I am also thinking of getting a dragon face pipefish for other bugs.

AEFW are not impacted by interceptor. Interceptor is primarily used to combat crustacean-like pests think of red bugs, white bugs, etc

 

[TX_REEF]

can't you hit the tank with bayer? I feel like I'd rather do that than ditch a massive acro collection.

 

[Charlie the Reefer]

If you can, remove all the bases and commit to two months of dedicated weekly dips in KCL. After this period, sporadically dip pieces at staggered intervals to see if there any stragglers. To make it less painful, build a system where you can systematically and efficiently process the corals in the dip.

There are also many ways to holistically strengthen the coral and build resilience against aefw. Some people choose to live with them, I do not.

Ideally you process everything through a QT system and apply a zero tolerance policy so you don’t infect anything in your collection. Once you start amassing hundreds of acros or have huge colonies you’ll realize how important it is to properly prevent infection.

AEFW eradication is possible, as long as you have the diligence and fortitude to stick to the dipping regimen

Thanks Alan - really appreciate you.