Have you ever seen an outbreak like this?

[HarryReefer]

Have you ever seen an Aptasia outbreak like this? Could it be Hydroids instead?

There are bigger Aptasia in there, that I don't doubt are Aptasia. Perhaps I've gotten super lucky with a generous mixture of both!

What would you do? I can't remove the rock as it's a custom made (expensive) scape that is now covered in coral.

I have an Aptasia eating filefish that isn't particularly interested, 3 peppermint shrimp (2 wild, one AC), A Molly Miller Blenny (a new addition that's only been in there a few days). I'd like a copperband, but haven't found a good specimen yet. Tank is a 525G2.

I think its too far gone for putty, aptasia x, etc.

What would you do?
Thank you.

 

[Reefer1978]

Absolutely looks like aiptasia, and yes, I've seen outbreaks like this. Get berghia, at least 6 for your size tank but I would go more, and just leave it along. Within 4 weeks they will replicate and reach critical mass. Within 4 more weeks aiptasia will be done.

 

[HarryReefer]

Absolutely looks like aiptasia, and yes, I've seen outbreaks like this. Get berghia, at least 6 for your size tank but I would go more, and just leave it along. Within 4 weeks they will replicate and reach critical mass. Within 4 more weeks aiptasia will be done.

I'm leaning towards Aptasia, rather than Hydroids, too.
I put 10 Berghia in a few months back. I have actually started to breed Berghia on a very small scale. I think between the Peppermint Shrimp & wrasse (Six Line & Timor) they are eaten before they can make any noticeable difference.
I'd also consider an Australian Stripey, but am concerned for my LPS.

 

[Reefer1978]

I'm leaning towards Aptasia, rather than Hydroids, too.
I put 10 Berghia in a few months back. I have actually started to breed Berghia on a very small scale. I think between the Peppermint Shrimp & wrasse (Six Line & Timor) they are eaten before they can make any noticeable difference.
I'd also consider an Australian Stripey, but am concerned for my LPS.

I would re-house shrimp and wrasses temporarily (Timor would deff destroy them instantly, my 6line when I had one never bothered them) and let berghia do their thing. You have a large infestation, and unfortunately even if you manage to get the DT under control, they will be everywhere, inside the pipes, overflow, sump. So will keep on re-appearing over time. Managing may be the way to go, but if you want to fully eradicate, I would go Berghia.

My advice is all from personal experience. My older tank was an Elos, I thought I fully took care of Aiptasia only to find it inside the overflow (similar to your infestation level) in almost complete darkness, just some tiny specs of light from the overflow.

 

[HarryReefer]

I would re-house shrimp and wrasses temporarily (Timor would deff destroy them instantly, my 6line when I had one never bothered them) and let berghia do their thing. You have a large infestation, and unfortunately even if you manage to get the DT under control, they will be everywhere, inside the pipes, overflow, sump. So will keep on re-appearing over time. Managing may be the way to go, but if you want to fully eradicate, I would go Berghia.

My advice is all from personal experience. My older tank was an Elos, I thought I fully took care of Aiptasia only to find it inside the overflow (similar to your infestation level) in almost complete darkness, just some tiny specs of light from the overflow.

I think you're right. Much appreciated. Thank you.