Peppermints and Xenia????

[RichMacys]

I have an aptaisia problem. I lost a couple of my fish to them. Stung them and they never recovered.
I also have xenia and and star polyps in the tank.
My questions are;
Can I put peppermints in the tank with these?
Are nudibranch better?
Is it possible that my fish did die from being stung? (1 Chromis, 1 yellow tang)

The aiptasia are in awkward spots in the area where these fish hide all the time. Thats the only reason I thought this. Water quality is good, and the corals (SPS,LPS,xenia) are looking better than ever!

Thanks!

 

[fishfarmer]

My peppermint shrimp haven't touched either of my xenias(elongata and umbellata) or my green star polyps. They did take care of the few aips that I had. The bad habit my peppers are know for is stealing food out of the button polyps.

 

[Ben1]

I would say this anemone couldnt kill a fish, their sting is on the mild side and retract at any movement.

Peppermints will work for small small aiptasia but not full sized ones. For larger ones use a kalkwasser mix inject the anemone with it. The pepps will prevent it from coming back. The nudis will work but are tiny and once the anemones are gone they will die. HTH

 

[aquaguy]

I prefer nudibranch, they ate all my aiptasia long time ago, I've heard that peppermint is not reef safe ( they feed on some kind of soft corals too). I don't think that you fish died because of the aiptasia but I can't be sure, the aiptasia's stinging cells have been studied by scientifics because this "toxin" is very strong ! . Berghia (nudibranch) is very effective if you have a lot of aiptasia, they could help you to get rid of your aipt but you have to give them to somebody else when they have finished their job, otherwise they will starve to death.

 

[aquaguy]

I prefer nudibranch, they ate all my aiptasia long time ago, I've heard that peppermint is not reef safe ( they feed on some kind of soft corals too). I don't think that you fish died because of the aiptasia but I can't be sure, the aiptasia's stinging cells have been studied by scientifics because this "toxin" is very strong ! . Berghia (nudibranch) is very effective if you have a lot of aiptasia, they could help you to get rid of your aipt but you have to give them to somebody else when they have finished their job, otherwise they will starve to death.

 

[Anonymous]

I stuck a peppermint in my tank when I heard they eat aips. He hasn't touched a single one. But he's definitely finding food, he's molted several times.

He hasn't damaged any corals, though.

 

[RichMacys]

Thanks all! I think I will try the shrimp instead of the Nudibranch. They will add some more color and life to the tank now that the yellow tang is gone.

Can you believe Ive never had peppermints? Well, Ive never had an aiptaisia issue until now either! Should they be added in numbers or just 1? Its a 37 gallon cube tank and I can count at least a half dozen big aips and probably 30 or so tiny ones everywhere! Thanks again!

 

[GMH320]

I only have 1 in my tank, but also have 3 cleaners and 3 fire shrimp. I read that they can be kept in groups without any issues. They are very aggressive when it comes to feeding and will pull the food right out of an open brain if I let it. The trick is to feed them at the same time you feed the corals, or keep guard with a stick until the coral is finished. As far as aiptasia, I put the peppermint in at the first sign of them and haven't seen one since.

 

[dmentnich]

I have kept 4 peppermint shrimp in my tank since its set-up and have never seen what aptaisia even looks like. They have not been agressive (though they are fairly shy and do not come uot very much in the day) nor have they harmed any coral. Good-luck.

 

[Dargason]

I've got both GSP and xenia and my 4 pepps haven't touched them (to my knowledge).

However, they are very shy and I almost never see them.

Just make sure you get the right ones, not the camelback shrimp. I know that my camelback shrimp will eat xenia and anthelia although he hasn't bothered the GSP.

Camelback shrimp have a pronounced hump on the back (hence the name) a long "nose" and bigger eyes than the pepps. They are also red and white, while the pepps are red and clear.

 

[fishfarmer]

I have a pair which aren't shy, but do remain hidden after molting. If you get more than one they will breed. About every few weeks I get a baby shrimp hatch. It's usually at night but sometimes they will hatch in the evening before all the lights are out.

 

[dmentnich]

Sorry for the late reply, but I was just at inland aquatics and if you go to "inland advice on the munu then you can click on "Aiptasia and Berghia advice" for some pretty good info and suggestions. Good-luck.