Aptasia or Algea?

[Sam25]

I got a QT set up for new coral i just got and I’ve noticed these little things. I’ve seen aptasia before when they are big and is obvious but I’m not sure if these are baby aptasia or just algea?

 

[bryanfuel1]

Definitely looks like aiptasia to me. You can confirm by poking it and watching it retract. Bet you're glad you use a QT now.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Looks similar to hydroids. @vetteguy53081, help me out here lol. My old eyes on my busted phone isn’t much help.

 

[Sam25]

Thanks, I slightly just tapped the frag and they all retracted... there is quite a few and so tiny.

 

[Sam25]

anybody have experience with peppermint shrimps in QT or main tank to eat aptasia?

 

[Hugh Mann]

Peppermint shrimp from everything I have heard are really hit or miss, as is every species that supposedly eats it except filefish and berghia nudibranches.

In a QT tank, I'd be more inclined to try manually killing them, there's a variety of processes, but a superglue tomb I hear works quite well.

 

[bryanfuel1]

Peppermint shrimp from everything I have heard are really hit or miss, as is every species that supposedly eats it except filefish and berghia nudibranches.

In a QT tank, I'd be more inclined to try manually killing them, there's a variety of processes, but a superglue tomb I hear works quite well.

I had the opposite experience. I've tried filefish and copperbands and neither touched the aiptasia. Twice now I've done it with peppermint shrimp and both times they worked liked a dream.

That being said, it's still very hit or miss and your best bet of removing them naturally (the best and most thorough way imo) is with berghia nudibranches.

 

[Sam25]

Thanks guys. I have buried larger aptasia under supper glue but theirs are tiny and quite a few. Not sure if i really want to cover the whole rock in supper glue.

Maybe I’ll try a peppermint shrimp. And if it doesn’t eat it at least it’ll be a decorative addition to the tank.