Butterflies and Aptasia

[JawfishJunkie]

Disclaimer: I totally realize that, and have read in a million places that Butterflies are not reef safe........

but..........

Several experienced Reefers have sworn to me that an Auriga Butterfly quickly decimated their Aptasia problem. After a month the Aurigas got used to the fish food and did not bother SPS Corals in the tank.

These Reefers did not have LPS or Clams, which I do. Copperbands have never quite done the Aptasia trick for me. I would like to try this method with an Auriga or other Butterfly, but I will freak if I lose my Clams or CoCo worms.

Has anyone else taken the Butterfly chance? Please let me know your experiences, good and bad. Also---if their is a particular butterfly that went straight to the aptasia first, let me know.

thanks!

JJ

 

[jhale]

the Auriga won't bother your clams, but the coco worms could be lunch.
I had an awesome Auriga after a a few months he took care of hundreds of aiptasia in my tank. He continued to pick at the SPS, but I did not care. It did not seem to bother the SPS as far as growth and color. The only coral he ever ate was a frag of acans. Weird because he never touched the many colonies of acans in the tank, just one little frag.

 

[rookie07]

I have a CBB in my tank...it ate all aptasia, but also ate one of my acans(but left 3 alone)

 

[hijinks]

has anyone tried this?

http://www.northcoastmarines.com/aptasia.htm

 

[vashawn]

no , but i heard it's really good stuff. i gonna try it this week.

 

[JawfishJunkie]

RE: Joes Juice and Aptasia X

Regarding Joes Juice

no , but i heard it's really good stuff. i gonna try it this week.

Hi--

Joes Juice works. Aptasia X is even better. Last summer I bought 4 vials of aptasia x and totally bombed my aquarium.

The problem with this stuff is that it really only controls the Aptasia---it doesnt get rid of it. For every Aptasia you can see, theres probably at least another one behind or inside the rockwork.

My tank looked pretty Aptasia-Free for a about 10 weeks and then they starting growing like weeds again. I think the liquid treatments will just eventually send you to the poorhouse!

I think a natural method will be best---and even that is tough. I might just take the "Auriga" challenge" and stash my CoCos ina QT for the duration.

peace,
JJ

 

[JawfishJunkie]

<BUMP>

I would appreciate more input on this subject of risking butterfies in a reef tank to devour aptasia---

Thanks.....

JJ