Flatworms and Hitchhikers/Pests

Pinkheine · 05-21-2008, 05:27 PM

Flatworms and Hitchhikers/Pests

We all get frags and corals from various places, members, LFS, online vendors etc. Pests seem to be inevitable in this hobby at one point or another. Through communication and prevention can things be kept in check?

Here is the situation/story if you would...

I had posted on the DBTC the Fox Coral. Now I noticed flatworms on one of the corals we got the same day from the LFS, the Fox Coral also came from that tank at the LFS. I noticed some flatworms on the mother but not the frag after the fact. Anyways, I kept an eye on the coral and took it out of the tank several times to give it a once over to see if there were any flatworms on the piece. Haven't been able to get my hands on any Flatworm exit as of yet, so couldn't dip it.

When Kathy came to pick up the coral I did let her know this, and asked if she had the dip. I did not want to give my dilemma, or possible dilemma to any other members here.

My question is this... did I do something wrong here? Should I bow out of buying/trading or otherwise corals?

There are no visible signs of flatworms in my tank (though I know they are most likely there, but I am hoping my wrasses with take care of the little bit that may be there, if not will cross that bridge... )and until I get my hands on some flatworm exit or another flatworm treatment I cannot do anything about it. Even still is there any guarantee?

As long as we are honest with one another, and knowledgable about the possible pests we can obtain by taking on things from other aquariums... is that enough?

Not sure if there is some code of ethics or otherwise that I am missing here. Obviously being new to all this, would like input from other members on how they view the situation. And what I should have done or not done. -Or- What you yourself would have done in the situation.

Thanks.

prattreef · 05-21-2008, 05:30 PM

Honesty is all anyone can ask. Everyone should assume that anything they buy might have pests and act accordingly.

Deanos · 05-21-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinkheine


	As long as we are honest with one another, and knowledgable about the possible pests we can obtain by taking on things from other aquariums... is that enough?

Telling the potential receiver/buyer that you have pests is enough for me.

jhale · 05-21-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deanos


	Telling the potential receiver/buyer that you have pests is enough for me.

I agree, let people know ahead of time so they can be prepared.

Though if you buy or trade coral you should always assume the worst.

And you should always be ready to treat whatever pest comes your way

be proactive about it.

NYreefNoob · 05-21-2008, 06:42 PM

by telling her you did the right thing, most wouldnt have done that out of fear of not being able to sell something, and any reefer knows better to just put a coral in their tank without dipping and inspecting

inkblue · 05-21-2008, 06:57 PM

katHy has flatworms...

they had a famiLy reUnion wHen you gaVe her yours

KathyC · 05-21-2008, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkblue


	katHy has flatworms... they had a famiLy reUnion wHen you gaVe her yours

I find nothing funny about it Ink.

Yes, I do have flatworms in my 33g Cube..NOT in my 120 or nano. I do not transfer corals, sell them or trade ANYTHING that is in that tank.
The day I found out I had them I immediately contacted the folks that I had recently given rics to and told them of the situation, I also offered to purchase FWE for them if they did not already have it.

I believe it is a matter of respect in telling others when there is a known pest in your tank.

I also greatly appreciate that Sybil (Pinkheine) let me know there was an issue when I picked up the Fox Coral.

Chongpark27 · 05-21-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prattreef


	Honesty is all anyone can ask. Everyone should assume that anything they buy might have pests and act accordingly.

I agree 100%.

Josh · 05-21-2008, 08:20 PM

Yeah, you just need to tell people before they buy the coral. Most people are fine with it as long as they know what to expect.

reefkprZ · 05-21-2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deanos


	Telling the potential receiver/buyer that you have pests is enough for me.

ditto.

I have bought stuff I knew was infested because I knew I could handle it, if I bought a coral and later found out the seller knew and didnt tell me, many ba juju's to them.

god bless QT.

05-21-2008, 05:27 PM	#1
Pinkheine Is it gettin hot in here? Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Yaphank, Suffolk County Posts: 328 Reefer Ratings: (6)	Flatworms and Hitchhikers/Pests Flatworms and Hitchhikers/Pests We all get frags and corals from various places, members, LFS, online vendors etc. Pests seem to be inevitable in this hobby at one point or another. Through communication and prevention can things be kept in check? Here is the situation/story if you would... I had posted on the DBTC the Fox Coral. Now I noticed flatworms on one of the corals we got the same day from the LFS, the Fox Coral also came from that tank at the LFS. I noticed some flatworms on the mother but not the frag after the fact. Anyways, I kept an eye on the coral and took it out of the tank several times to give it a once over to see if there were any flatworms on the piece. Haven't been able to get my hands on any Flatworm exit as of yet, so couldn't dip it. When Kathy came to pick up the coral I did let her know this, and asked if she had the dip. I did not want to give my dilemma, or possible dilemma to any other members here. My question is this... did I do something wrong here? Should I bow out of buying/trading or otherwise corals? There are no visible signs of flatworms in my tank (though I know they are most likely there, but I am hoping my wrasses with take care of the little bit that may be there, if not will cross that bridge... )and until I get my hands on some flatworm exit or another flatworm treatment I cannot do anything about it. Even still is there any guarantee? As long as we are honest with one another, and knowledgable about the possible pests we can obtain by taking on things from other aquariums... is that enough? Not sure if there is some code of ethics or otherwise that I am missing here. Obviously being new to all this, would like input from other members on how they view the situation. And what I should have done or not done. -Or- What you yourself would have done in the situation. Thanks. __________________ Flatworms... we ain't got no stinkin' flatworms, thanks to FWE!!!

05-21-2008, 05:30 PM	#2
prattreef Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 2,637 Reefer Ratings: (17)	Honesty is all anyone can ask. Everyone should assume that anything they buy might have pests and act accordingly. Last edited by prattreef; 05-21-2008 at 05:36 PM.

05-21-2008, 06:42 PM	#5
NYreefNoob Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: peekskill,ny Posts: 4,006 Reefer Ratings: (39)	by telling her you did the right thing, most wouldnt have done that out of fear of not being able to sell something, and any reefer knows better to just put a coral in their tank without dipping and inspecting __________________ my child wanted it, now i can't stop buying for it

05-21-2008, 06:57 PM	#6
inkblue Muro Ami Captain Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Williamsburgh, Brooklyn Posts: 7,529 Reefer Ratings: (86)	katHy has flatworms... they had a famiLy reUnion wHen you gaVe her yours __________________ Boating/Tennis/Fishing/Paintball Season 2008 Freeport tide table: http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tidesh...nd%2C+New+York

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05-21-2008, 08:20 PM	#9
Josh in the coral sea... Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Union Square, NY Posts: 4,802 Reefer Ratings: (17)	Yeah, you just need to tell people before they buy the coral. Most people are fine with it as long as they know what to expect.