Aiptasia in the Reef Aquarium Can Be a Big Problem - Here Are a Few Solutions

Aiptasia or the glass anemone as it is otherwiseresold. A great idea, but I guess stressful for the
known. Is known in the reef keeping hobby, to be anudibranch.
pest and a pain to control. It can be quite destructive.The third method of control is the introduction of a
But there are ways to control aiptasia. There arecopperband butterfly fish. These are just as
natural ways and chemical ways of control them.effective but are not suitable for all reef aquarium.
Many would argue that the natural method is theThese fish grow quite big so a suitable size aquarium
way to go, but is not always as effective as theis required.
chemical method. The natural methods will add life toChemical method
any coral reef aquarium including the future ofThere is a off the shelf method of eliminating aiptasia
accidental introduction from new coral additions.called Aiptasia X .This product works really well and is
Natural methods.really simple to use. The effects of this product is
There are three natural methods that i know of andvisible within 24hours. It is simple to use, just turn of
probably the most known is the introduction of aany circulation pumps and inject the fluid into the
true Pepper mint shrimp. My past experience hascentre of the anemone with the provided syringe.
shown me that these shrimp don't tend to consumeWait fifteen minutes and turn on your power heads.
big Glass anemones, but certainly control and stopThe anemone will die off over the coming week. If
the formation and growth of new aiptasia.any more appear in the future simply retreat as
The second method that i have no experience withdescribed.
are Berghia nudibranches.I have found out these willTo conclude If you don't have any aiptasia i would
consume aiptasia, but that is all this type ofrecommend the introduction of a Pepper mint shrimp
nudibranch will consume, so after it as all gone thefor a small aquarium as a part of your clean up crew.
nudibranch will die. I have read that few shops willIf you have a large aquarium the introduction of a
take these back off your hands after the glasscopper band butterfly fish would make a good
anemone is consumed, The Nudibranch can then beaddition to your fish collection.