Non-chemical solution to Aiptasia

[Verbalkint]

One major thing.. I am weary of adding any chemicals to my tank, given my propensity to screw simple things up.. ;-/

WHAT else could i use to get rid of some Aiptasia?

Keeping mind, something that will eat Aiptasia, but not get eaten by a Snowflake or Green spoted puffer?

LFS Said that the puffer would most likely eat any shrimp, etc before it even found the aiptasia.


Thanks.

 

[Gatorfreak]

I've heard Copperband Butterflies will eat aiptasia. I don't know if they would be ok with those other inhabitants or not.

 

[ZoozFishMaster]

Copperbanded, Raccoon, and Long-Nose butterflies will most likely eat aiptasia. Peppermint shrimp as well as red legged hairy hermit crabs are known to eat aiptasia. Adding invertebrates with the puffer probably isn't a good idea (although the hairy hermits get huge and probably wouldn't be bothered by a small green spotted puffer).
I would assume that large Angelfishes (pomacanthus) as well as dwarf angels of the genus centropyge would eat aiptasia.

 

[quarryshark]

I would assume that large Angelfishes (pomacanthus) as well as dwarf angels of the genus centropyge would eat aiptasia.

I wouldn't count on it. My coral beauty never touched it and my P Maculosus picked at the bigger ones a bit, But I never seen here eat any.
You could alway inject them with a Kalk slurry. Just do them a few at a time so you don't OD on kalk.

 

[ZoozFishMaster]

Thanks for correcting me quarry. I know that angels can put a beaten on LPS, so I figured they might go for the glass anemones. But experience is the best way to learn!

 

[quarryshark]

Thanks for correcting me quarry. I know that angels can put a beaten on LPS, so I figured they might go for the glass anemones. But experience is the best way to learn

Sorry, I really wasn't trying to contradict you. A pomacanthus may very well eat it (lord knows they pick at everything else ). I was just conveying my experience.

 

[lando]

the best nonchemical route to go is to get 4-6 peppermint shrimp and let them go to work. Copperband butterflies are also known to eat them, however, they are a difficult fish to keep and not a good option for pest control.