Palyzoas- get rid of or keep?

[chawkdr]

I’ve had these palys for years. I’ve touched them. I had them splashing around in a 10 hour car ride riding shotgun twice and never had any problem at all. Before about 6 months ago I had zero clue they could be harmful. I read that it’s mainly an issue when fragging them or some other kind of trauma. Since learning of their toxuc traits, I’ve really stopped enjoying them. I am also pregnant so that is making me much more nervous. I am moving soon and will move the aquarium with me. It’s just across town but I still am very worried to stress these guys out. The rock its on is also covered in aiptasia… I don’t like the idea of killing something but knowing what they are capable of bums me out. If I go through with uhhh “euthanizing” them, what’s the safest and most humane way?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Dig a hole in your backyard and bury the whole thing where it won't harm anyone. Start new with something less risky. (I am typing this with one eye, as I currently am on medication for conjunctivitis, which I believe I got the other day when some water from my tank splashed into my eye, transferring corals.)

 

[EnterName]

Whatever treatment you choose, do it outside. I've had to nuke a rock full of Zoas and used hydrogen peroxide which creates potentially harmful aerosols. This will still leave residues so you might have to follow up with strong bleach. After a few rinses the rock will be usable again just as other dead rock.

I would advice letting someone else do this for you. It's not dangerous in any way (when using appropriate protection while handling said chemicals), but during pregnancy you shouldn't have to deal with those chemicals and potentially harmful aerosols even for a split of a second.

Edit: I can't think of an especially fast or effective way to euthanize them without increasing the risk of hurting anyone.

Wear safety glasses (and gloves) when taking out the rock. Palys and zoas like to spit water when retracting. Getting this water in your eyes is potentially dangerous.