Free - AEFW

[Aquattro]

Just discovered some AEFW and decided I don't want them. Free for the taking, apparently all you can carry. Sorry, no shipping.

:neutral:

[reefme]

Should this be under buy/sell section?:lol:

[Aquattro]

Should this be under buy/sell section?:lol:

Possibly soon as a "shutting down" sale ? :)

[reefme]

This hobby is so much fun...:lol: setting it up and shutting it down and over and over again.

[Reef Pilot]

OMG, you have my sympathies, for sure. That is probably my worst fear, and not sure what I would do if it happened to me. And don't think you need any advice, as you probably know more than anybody here about this pest and what to do with it.

But if there are any lessons or advice you can give to the rest of us on how to prevent it, would sure like to hear that. Do you even know how this latest outbreak got started?

Best of luck, with whatever you decide. Just hope this isn't the reason/excuse for you to shut things down for a while. At worst you can always start a new tank.... Might be fun,... and a chance to try out some new ideas.

[Aquattro]

"Fun" just isn't a word I'm using a lot today -lol

Not sure how they got in, I have a couple of possibilities. I added a frag once that was in for a few days that had them before I got it out, and I added a colony that had them that was well treated, but maybe I missed some eggs. The colony I dipped last night had at least 50 on it, probably more. A second colony had half that. A third had 1.

Honestly, it seems that no matter how diligent you are, they just always make their way in somehow.

At this point I'm not sure how to proceed, thinking leave it and see what happens. There's no way I can remove and treat the volume of acros I have.

I have been toying with the idea of a downgrade, so just kicking ideas around for that today. Jon just posted a cube I'm giving thought to.

The logistics are tough though, a replacement tank needs to go where the existing tank is, more or less. A downgrade also means losing my favorite fish.

Not sure what to do.

[Dez]

Oh no Brad

[Aquattro]

Oh no Brad

Had to happen one day, I suppose.

[Proteus]

Sad to here brad. I recently also picked up some at a bulk sale. I was seriously on the shut it down plane, but thought quitting is defeat. And while I have a small tank I was able to remove acros cut the dead spots off and dip and qt. With a big tank you kinda Sol for tgat route

You've talked about a cube in the past and while you do loose out on things like certain fish you gain in other areas. Like a single halide. Hehe

[Reefer Rob]

Oh crap!! Not sure what I'd do with so many mature colonies.

[Aquattro]

you gain in other areas. Like a single halide. Hehe

He's reading my mind!! :)

[Aquattro]

Oh crap!! Not sure what I'd do with so many mature colonies.

If I go the upgrade (downgrade?) route, I can salvage all my remaining pieces. I'm not too upset about it, I had this change in mind for a while. It's just going to suck tossing out so much coral..

[sumpfinfishe]

Wow Brad sorry to hear, with all your experience though I thought you would be up for a challenge of dipping hundreds of acros, that really sucks man but im sure you will make the right decision on how to proceed. What about setting up a temp tank and dip system, you could just dip what you want and sell/donate the rest, or remodel the picnic table:cry::mrgreen:

[Dez]

I haven't added any corals for over 2 years because of the fear of diseases. And recently my good friend **** down his tank and have me some corals, and I got red bugs. Now I'm in the second week of treatment for that. So going forward, I'm going to stick to my gut of not adding any corals, even from sources I trust. Why do we do this hobby again?

[Slyguy00]

Just had this a few weeks ago. Interceptor makes easy work of Acro eating flatworm. Its a bit pricey, and you have to get it from a vet, but I used it and my sps has never been happier. It sure makes easy work of "the hardest flatworm to get rid of", just make sure to remove shrimp and hermits if you do. Good luck!

[Slyguy00]

Guess I should add for those who don't know, Interceptor is a dog worm medication that has proven to be extremely effective against all types of flat worms. Look it up online, its pretty impressive. You all seem to think its a huge problem, but with Interceptor its just plain easy. Bye Bye flat worms.

[mrhasan]

Dragonface pipefish....maybe?

[Proteus]

No predator would ever eradicate the pest only get fat off them and possibly "controll" them

[Slyguy00]

No predator would ever eradicate the pest only get fat off them and possibly "controll" them

+1

[Madreefer]

This thread sux!!!!!! Sorry to hear bout.

[Wheelman76]

Just had this a few weeks ago. Interceptor makes easy work of Acro eating flatworm. Its a bit pricey, and you have to get it from a vet, but I used it and my sps has never been happier. It sure makes easy work of "the hardest flatworm to get rid of", just make sure to remove shrimp and hermits if you do. Good luck!

I know interceptor works for red bugs , but I didnt think it worked for AEFW.

[Werbo]

Sorry to hear. Melanarus wrasse or Yellow wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus) may eat AEFW. Both are relatively cheap.

[Aquattro]

I know interceptor works for red bugs , but I didnt think it worked for AEFW.

Correct. Red bugs yes, AEFW, no.

[Borderjumper]

****ty!

[Slyguy00]

Interceptor absolutely works on acro eating flat worms. If you don't believe me look it up. And not only does it work, it works damn good, with no ill side effects. I just used this only a month ago. Type it on on google, some people dose it every 6 months just as a precaution. Not that I would recommend that.

[Proteus]

Interceptor absolutely works on acro eating flat worms. If you don't believe me look it up. And not only does it work, it works damn good, with no ill side effects. I just used this only a month ago. Type it on on google, some people dose it every 6 months just as a precaution. Not that I would recommend that.

Show a link I looked and found nothing supporting this claim

[Aquattro]

If you don't believe me look it up.

Can you look that up for me and post a link? Everything I just googled said no. Everything I've ever read said no.

[Aquattro]

continuing to search, and so far everything says no. Interceptor is specific to crustaceans, which AEFW are not.

[Slyguy00]

Lol this is crazy because I swear I read it lots before using it, and watched them fall off after using it. My sps have never been happier, and I certainly don't have AEFW anymore. But I may be eating my words as I cannot find anything on it either... So honestly not sure what the heck is up lol. But I got the pills from another member on here who also dosed it to treat AEFW with success. Im a little confused as to where I got my information then. Either way, it worked for me! i took out my shrimp n hermits, and dosed half a pill. Within an hour I saw them starting to move around and fall off my sps. For me the proof is in the pudding. But my mistake as I can't seem to find anything either..:redface:

[Slyguy00]

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f58/aefw-amp-lrb-97900.html

[Slyguy00]

Lol all I could find sorry guys.

[Aquattro]

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f58/aefw-amp-lrb-97900.html

My interpretation of that thread is it works for red bugs. I can't see it working,as the kill mechanism is targeted to crustaceans. No shell, no dead. I can test it if I get another affected colony, I probably have some Interceptor lying around. But I'd have to see it to believe it.

[Slyguy00]

Well I would be quite interested to see an actual test done. I do have a hard time finding much that really backs this up. But I could have sworn i read lots of info backing this up before or I don't know why I would have used it or why another member would have told me they had success with it as well? And if it doesn't work do you have an explanation of why my tank no longer has any? Other than Interceptor I haven't added anything. And they are gone so it had to of worked?

[Proteus]

The guy claimed to also have red bug, hence the interceptor.
Just like flatworms most dips don't kill redbug

[Slyguy00]

Still waiting for an explanation as to why it worked for me then? Also waiting for other members on here who have had success with it to chime in lol.

[Wheelman76]

I've read lots of info about interceptor killing redbugs , but never once read people using it to treat AEFW. Interceptor is a very effective treatment to use against red bugs and easy to use. I think if Interceptor worked to kill AEFW then people would not be so terrified about AEFW because it would be an easy fix to just use interceptor. Maybe you had red bugs too Nick and that's why your sps seem a lot happier? Not sure what to think

[Slyguy00]

Yea im not really sure either, iv been looking into this all night and there is only a few small posts claiming success with this. Jess after you questioned wether or not i had aefw or red bugs it made me wonder myself. I was only told they were AEFW but someone else but never really verified what they were. I could be completely wrong all together now. Here are some pics. What do you guys think?? If they are red bugs then sorry for the inaccurate info. I just tried comparing pics of the two and im starting to think maybe i was misinformed. :redface: sorry guys

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad204/Slyguy00/Mobile%20Uploads/89FB232D-E399-4F77-AF7A-E33A240D1234_zpstnke5gdl.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/Slyguy00/media/Mobile%20Uploads/89FB232D-E399-4F77-AF7A-E33A240D1234_zpstnke5gdl.jpg.html)
http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad204/Slyguy00/Mobile%20Uploads/514500AB-9C2C-4247-A99C-6A25D2248666_zpsmn2pzvza.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/Slyguy00/media/Mobile%20Uploads/514500AB-9C2C-4247-A99C-6A25D2248666_zpsmn2pzvza.jpg.html)
http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad204/Slyguy00/Mobile%20Uploads/B3470E09-A25E-4DFD-A26F-38D7F0A48DC5_zpsa69pxndu.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/Slyguy00/media/Mobile%20Uploads/B3470E09-A25E-4DFD-A26F-38D7F0A48DC5_zpsa69pxndu.jpg.html)
http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad204/Slyguy00/Mobile%20Uploads/281231F9-D739-4782-81AE-CF6824F345F5_zpskxjzqo8z.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/Slyguy00/media/Mobile%20Uploads/281231F9-D739-4782-81AE-CF6824F345F5_zpskxjzqo8z.jpg.html)

[Aquattro]

That looks like some type of flatworm, but not quite the acro eaters. You can't see them at all on the coral, only after they fall off.

[Slyguy00]

Thats the thing, I couldnt see them at all i just saw thewhite spots. I broke one off and dipped it and what you see in the pics is what fell off. When I dosed interceptor i watched closely and after time saw them start to move on the sps before falling off.

[One_Divided]

I recently tried a heavy dose of interceptor on all my monitpora sp. I had brown/black copepods and a species of montipora flatworms (these didn't seem to eat montipora, just live on it).. Anyways.. This was a 48 hr quarantined treatment (in order to starve any remaining fauna in the main tank). Interceptor did NOT kill the flatworms after the entire 48 hrs. Bugs died within a couple hours. So my point is: interceptor doesn't kill those flatworms, so I doubt it will kill AEFW's. I gave all pieces a heavy dose of RPS before adding back to the tank and haven't seen anything come back, but I think the AEFW's eggs are pretty resilient compared to these sissies.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Brad,

Really sorry to hear of this latest set-back. I know that you'll come up with the right decision for yourself and your family. Hopefully you'll be able to defeat this pest once again.

Anthony

[Aquattro]

Anthony, I've got a plan in the works, just need to figure out some details. Not a major setback, I've been toying with the idea of a change for a long time now. This simply forces my hand. :)

[Proteus]

I recently tried a heavy dose of interceptor on all my monitpora sp. I had brown/black copepods and a species of montipora flatworms (these didn't seem to eat montipora, just live on it).. Anyways.. This was a 48 hr quarantined treatment (in order to starve any remaining fauna in the main tank). Interceptor did NOT kill the flatworms after the entire 48 hrs. Bugs died within a couple hours. So my point is: interceptor doesn't kill those flatworms, so I doubt it will kill AEFW's. I gave all pieces a heavy dose of RPS before adding back to the tank and haven't seen anything come back, but I think the AEFW's eggs are pretty resilient compared to these sissies.

The brown/black pods you mention are black bug the same as red bug but inhibit monties

[Aquattro]

In all honesty, if Interceptor worked, we wouldn't have hundreds of very experienced SPS keepers, here and at RC, losing thousands of dollars of SPS. People spend months dipping in levamisole and bayer trying desperately to clean their tanks. If we could just drop in a pill from the vet, it would be very well documented and publicized.

[Slyguy00]

Then where did mine go?? Lol still need id i. What i had lol

[Aquattro]

Dunno, maybe they weren't AEFW? I've just read a lot of threads at RC and other sites affirming that it does NOT work. People have confirmed having both red bugs and flatworms, treating with interceptor and losing red bugs, keeping flatworms.

[Slyguy00]

You must be right brad. Because iv found pretty much all the same info. So i guess maybe i just got lucky and had a bug that interceptor does work on.

[Aquattro]

I'd really prefer you were right -lol. Would make things much simpler :)

[Slyguy00]

Lol I cant always be right:mrgreen:

[Slyguy00]

So then what is your plan of attack brad? Just dip each coral individually?

[Aquattro]

So then what is your plan of attack brad? Just dip each coral individually?

Rough plan is new tank, smaller, take frags of what I want to keep and start over. Once the new tank is setup, all frags treated, no new corals go in. Add water, grow them out :)
Moving old tank and replacing with new is the puzzle part of this :) I'll probably set up the new one beside the old, once the old is gone, drain the new and slide it into place. Fill.

[Slyguy00]

Well at least you already had a plan to do this then. Sounds like alot of work. Good luck and keep us updated!

[Aquattro]

Ya, it's something I started thinking about 6 months ago. Large cubish type tank, probably be able to keep most of my fish and most of the corals I like. Less maintenance, less cost, more halide :)

[Snappy]

Sorry to hear about this Brad. Here is something that worked extremely well for me.
In my experience an army of peppermint shrimps (about 30 or so in a tank your size) should have the AEFW cleaned up for you within 2-3 weeks. That includes eggs.

[Aquattro]

Greg, that's an interesting approach. I could see it working somewhat, except on larger colonies that shrimp wouldn't be able to get into.

[Snappy]

Greg, that's an interesting approach. I could see it working somewhat, except on larger colonies that shrimp wouldn't be able to get into.
When I did it the shrimp varied in size and you wouldn't believe the wierd places their little pincers can access.

[reeferfulton]

ok , so peppermint shrimp eh .. lets see

30 peppermint shrimp at $9 each = $270.

Not having to shut down tank and set up a new one .. Priceless( maybe )

I have never heard of this approach before , but man would that ever be sweet if it worked .


Is there any fish that kill peppermint shrimp.. being that they are small ?

[Aquattro]

Is there any fish that kill peppermint shrimp.. being that they are small ?

Triggers would be bad. Tuskfish not so friendly. Larger wrasses - bad. Nothing I have would eat them, but not sure I want 30 peppermints. What are they going to eat if/when they run out of flatties?

If I find another colony affected, I might grab a couple just to experiment in isolation.

Oh, and buying 30 gives you a 30% discount at J&L :)

[Doug]

That sucks Brad but I do like the cube/halide remedy.

[Aquattro]

That sucks Brad but I do like the cube/halide remedy.

I'm kinda excited about it :)

[kole]

You seem to be taking this set back quite well. Good luck to you.

I've been trying to find some Bayer. Does anyone know if it can be bought in Canada?

[Aquattro]

You seem to be taking this set back quite well. Good luck to you.


Meh, it's just an aquarium. I've got years of enjoyment from it, it owes me nothing. Other than the 2 colonies, everything is doing well at this point, so now I get to tackle a new project and revitalize my enjoyment! I'll also be able to paint my living room now :)

[Proteus]

New build thread I hope

[Aquattro]

New build thread I hope

Probably not. I don't really have time to document stuff, barely have time to run a tank. :) I would post a pic or two, but nothing like some of the build threads we have here!

[kole]

"Just an aquarium" lol.
What are you going to be using as a dip before you move them to your new setup? Bayer?

[Aquattro]

What are you going to be using as a dip before you move them to your new setup? Bayer?

I'll use RPS dip then physical inspection with a microscope.

[Madreefer]

You seem to be taking this set back quite well. Good luck to you.

I've been trying to find some Bayer. Does anyone know if it can be bought in Canada?

As in Aspirin? Does this work on flatworms?

[Aquattro]

As in Aspirin?

Same company, different product :) I believe it's an insecticide.

[daplatapus]

Where are you getting the RPS from Brad? I can't seem to find any...

[Aquattro]

Where are you getting the RPS from Brad? I can't seem to find any...

Not sure, Wayne brought some in so everyone in town has some :)

[kien]

A great solution to AEFW is to remove their source of food. All of it. #ProTip.

[Aquattro]

A great solution to AEFW is to remove their source of food. All of it. #ProTip.

That was actually one of my considerations. I thought about an acro-less SPS tank. Montis, birdnest, pocci, stylo only tank.

[kien]

That was actually one of my considerations. I thought about an acro-less SPS tank. Montis, birdnest, pocci, stylo only tank.

Exactly. There is life after Acros ! Shame to shut down an ENTIRE tank just for AEFW when you can have a very nice and healthy acro-less tank :-)

[Aquattro]

Exactly. There is life after Acros ! Shame to shut down an ENTIRE tank just for AEFW when you can have a very nice and healthy acro-less tank :-)

True, but if I'm going to start from frags again, might as well keep the acros and reduce the amount of work/cost/room this tank takes up.

[Reefer Rob]

I've been trying to find some Bayer. Does anyone know if it can be bought in Canada?

As far as I know Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer isn't available in Canada. RPS is likely B-Cyfluthrin based as well, judging by the instructions. I'd be very surprised if it killed the eggs, seems too good to be true. Anyone have experience with this?

[Aquattro]

The only eggs I found were already hatched. I doubt it kills eggs though. IMO, the instructed dose isn't enough either, nor is the time long enough. At double strength, worms were still crawling around after 20 minutes. It took 30 for all movement to stop.

[Reefer Rob]

I found the eggs were invisible untill the coral air dried for a couple of minutes. IMO removing the eggs is the most important, and difficult part of the process.

[Aquattro]

Really? I could see the egg sacs right away, soon as I turned the colony over. Under the scope, I could see they had all hatched. Maybe it's harder to see unhatched?

[Reefer Rob]

When I was scraping the eggs off, I'd go back to a place I'd previosly looked to find eggs had appeared. They are also laid in the most inaccessible of places at times. Your plan to start over with small pieces of the originals will definitely make the job easier.

[Aquattro]

Your plan to start over with small pieces of the originals will definitely make the job easier.

Absolutely. There will be no hidden eggs anywhere. Fresh cut frags, dipped and inspected, moved to new tank. Only problem is running 2 tanks in one spot for long enough to get it all done.

[Snappy]

Triggers would be bad. Tuskfish not so friendly. Larger wrasses - bad. Nothing I have would eat them, but not sure I want 30 peppermints. What are they going to eat if/when they run out of flatties?

If I find another colony affected, I might grab a couple just to experiment in isolation.

Oh, and buying 30 gives you a 30% discount at J&L :)
They are scavengers and will eat pods, leftover food scraps, aptasia, etc. They are also nocternal so you will usually only see them after lights out. They are very easy to catch by using a baited bottle trap & you could likely trade them in at your local fish store for credit on other stuff you need.

[kole]

What about Coral RX PRO Coral Dip would these be any better to dip your corals in or is it basically the same product?

[Aquattro]

What about Coral RX PRO Coral Dip would these be any better to dip your corals in or is it basically the same product?

I think any dip will kill them. Just watch to make sure they dont keep moving.

[Reefer Rob]

I found Coral RX to be harsh, say goodbye to your Echinatas. I did a test on a piece of Hawkins to see what would happen, not good.

With bayer, half an hour after returning the Acros to my tank I had polyp extension.

[Wheelman76]

I found Coral RX to be harsh, say goodbye to your Echinatas. I did a test on a piece of Hawkins to see what would happen, not good.

With bayer, half an hour after returning the Acros to my tank I had polyp extension.

Where did you get the Bayer?

[Proteus]

Agreed on the coral Rx. I lost my deep waters after three weeks of dipping.

[Reefer Rob]

You have to get Bayer in the states. Any of the home supply outlets will have it.

[nerdz]

Where did you get the Bayer?

I didn't realize it wasn't available in Canada... Out of convenience, since I was already there, I picked mine up in Lowes in Bellingham Wa.

[Madreefer]

I didn't realize it wasn't available in Canada... Out of convenience, since I was already there, I picked mine up in Lowes in Bellingham Wa.

So you just ask for Bayer? Might have to grab some when I go south just in case.

[Sebae again]

What is the dosage per gallon ?

[Wheelman76]

So you just ask for Bayer? Might have to grab some when I go south just in case.

Here's what it looks like Bill
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/20/2epa4ybe.jpg

[Reefer Rob]

What is the dosage per gallon ?

There's a lot of differing opinions on dose, I used 5ml per litre. Shake it well before use, it really settles.

[Madreefer]

Here's what it looks like Bill
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/20/2epa4ybe.jpg

Cool thanks bud

[StirCrazy]

Brad, didn't we use iodine to kill them last time you had them?

Steve

[Aquattro]

Brad, didn't we use iodine to kill them last time you had them?

Steve

Only time I had them was in my 150, before we knew what they were. When I found them, I just put them back in the tank. Nothing bad happened in that tank.

[sumpfinfishe]

Brad!, how about using the cube as an sps garden only, keep your old tank running for your fish and remaining non sps corals, then you have the best of both worlds with only small added maintenance:biggrin:

[Aquattro]

Brad!, how about using the cube as an sps garden only, keep your old tank running for your fish and remaining non sps corals, then you have the best of both worlds with only small added maintenance:biggrin:

Give me your number, I'll have my wife call and explain why we're not having two tanks :)
Seriously, one is enough. Going smaller will reduce work and costs. It will be a SPS only tank (with perhaps a purple torch) and use only my nicest pieces. No overcrowding, and design based on color and growth patterns. I have a lot of tabling pieces to incorporate, so pretty excited to get started. Just waiting on some numbers from Denny :)

[sumpfinfishe]

Hey isn't your dog house out back big enough for the cube:mrgreen:

[StirCrazy]

Only time I had them was in my 150, before we knew what they were. When I found them, I just put them back in the tank. Nothing bad happened in that tank.

no no no, we were looking at them with your microscope, we were scraping coral and dipping them, we spent 4 or 5 hours on it one day and yes it was in one of your older tanks, befor you moved to the condo.

Steve

[Aquattro]

no no no, we were looking at them with your microscope, we were scraping coral and dipping them, we spent 4 or 5 hours on it one day and yes it was in one of your older tanks, before you moved to the condo.

Steve

Right. The 150g at the old house. Don't recall caring enough to scrape. But that was too long ago and I'm getting old -lol

[Wheelman76]

What size are you thinking about Brad?

[Aquattro]

What size are you thinking about Brad?

36x30x24, single 400w radium over it.

[Wheelman76]

I just finished setting up my new tank , 36"x30"x20" tall. Will be sps only with lots of flow , bare bottom and I have the 36" 8 bulb ATI hybrid light over it. Loving the dimensions of this tank

[Aquattro]

I just finished setting up my new tank , 36"x30"x20" tall. Will be sps only with lots of flow , bare bottom and I have the 36" 8 bulb ATI hybrid light over it. Loving the dimensions of this tank

Sorry, the pics didn't show up :)

[Proteus]

Brad with a 400w how high would you hang that light. there's alot of lumens beaming down. In my shallow tank its 12" with a 250w

[Aquattro]

Brad with a 400w how high would you hang that light. there's alot of lumens beaming down. In my shallow tank its 12" with a 250w

Not sure. Probably 10 or 12 inches. Height will be determined by spread. Using a lumenarc reflector, so spread should be enough for most of the area. Not too concerned with intensity, the corals can handle it fine. Supplementing with 2 T5 superblue for pre/post daylight.

[Reefer Rob]

Why not a 36" cube? Your halide light pattern is square anyway :wink:

[Aquattro]

Why not a 36" cube? Your halide light pattern is square anyway :wink:

Too big, would stick out too far into the room. I had a 36" cube frag tank, and found it tough to work in.

[StirCrazy]

Too big, would stick out too far into the room. I had a 36" cube frag tank, and found it tough to work in.

you should see if my old tank is still floating around vic somewhere not being used.

Steve

[Aquattro]

you should see if my old tank is still floating around vic somewhere not being used.

Steve

Too small

[hillegom]

Brad,If you want some of that Bayer insecticide, I have some.
Just picked it up yesterday. Have any friends coming to the lower mainland?

[Aquattro]

Brad,If you want some of that Bayer insecticide, I have some.
Just picked it up yesterday. Have any friends coming to the lower mainland?

Thanks, but the RPS is good for my purposes. I'll just be taking frags off colonies and treating, then add to new tank.

[Aquattro]

Just an update. I have removed several frags and just took out the 5 largest colonies I had. Dipped everything, no worms to be found. Seems they might stay localized to some corals before reaching epidemic levels. Weird.

Also weird is looking at my tank with half the coral bio-load missing :)

[sumpfinfishe]

Thats great news Brad!
Dont worry tho with your grown rates it will fill up in no time!
And no thats "not what she said" lol :mrgreen:

[Aquattro]

Rich, this tank is on it's way out, so no, it won't fill very quickly :) But hopefully the frags going into the new tank will!

[sumpfinfishe]

Yes i know the "cube" mission.
That's what i was getting at, the new cube will be full before you know it!

[Aquattro]

Ah. Well, it will take a couple years to get to where I'm happy, but it's been a long time coming. Exciting doing a new build!

[WarDog]

Sorry to hear about the flatworms.

I see on your new build you will have a Zeo system. Were you not using it on the tank you are tearing down? Did you use the flatworm stop? Has anybody used it?
I ask because I am starting my system with Zeo and I was planning to use the flatworm stop from the get go.
Guess I am asking if your flatworm problem could have been avoided if you used this product (without being insensitive about your losses)?
Following along with the new build!

[Proteus]

Sorry to hear about the flatworms.

I see on your new build you will have a Zeo system. Were you not using it on the tank you are tearing down? Did you use the flatworm stop? Has anybody used it?
I ask because I am starting my system with Zeo and I was planning to use the flatworm stop from the get go.
Guess I am asking if your flatworm problem could have been avoided if you used this product (without being insensitive about your losses)?
Following along with the new build!


Flatworm stop does not stop the flatworms from existing. It makes the tissue of the coral thicker giving a bit more resistant. Also flatworm stop needs a min of three months before you may see a benefit

It's also good for richer colors

[Aquattro]

Zeo has nothing to do with flatwormStop, and no, I haven't used it. As Proteus said, it doesn't stop them, just slows them down. Using it for no reason sounds expensive, and I think the money is better spent on dip and a magnifying glass. Dipping all incoming pieces, every.single.time should avoid them. I go them because I missed dipping a couple pieces that I shortly after realized were infected. I thought I'd got the affected frag out in time, but apparently not :)

As for losses, I've only lost one full piece, and half of another. So far no other coral has shown them after dipping.

[WarDog]

Good info, thanks guys!

[Ryan7]

Have you considered powerhead and wrasse method?

I have AEFW in my 325G, there was no way I was going to take 30 plus colonies out and dip/frag them ect...

I have 2x 6line wrasses, melanarus, 3x blueside fairy, 3x lubbocks, 2x leopard.

Powerheading the colonies every chance I get, which ends up to be only once a week (not enought at first). Flatworms fly off and get eaten by the wrasses. So far I have noticed improvement in the colonies. On a few in particular the coral has healed where there had been bite marks, and no further signs of distress.

I have heard some of the great German tanks have had success with this also.

This may only be a means of control, but time will tell....

[Aquattro]

Not something I wanted to do. Not fond of wrasses, and I'm not going through the tank with a power head twice a week. And so far, it seems it was only 2 colonies that had any. Weird. But, it's an excuse to rebuild and the new tank will hopefully fulfill a vision I missed with the current tank.

I am willing to bet that if I had just left things alone, the corals would have been fine (mostly)

[trilinearmipmap]

I am really interested in doing some trials of various meds I have on hand to find a cure for AEFW's. Problem is I have no AEFW's. But I'd like to do it to contribute back to the hobby, and to make it safer for me to get frags in the future.

So far as I can see, there is no great financial incentive for any company to find a good cure for AEFW's, if there were, a cure would have been found.

My plan would be:

1. Choose prospective medications based on what is known about AEFW biology so far - already I have thought of a couple of candidates

2. Do efficacy assessments with AEFW's in a container of tank water to see if the med kills the AEFW's and at what dose

3. Do safety assessments by dipping a few frags for longer and longer periods of time to see if a med is tolerated and at what dose

4. If a compound passes test #2 but fails test #3, look for a related compound, or try to find a dose or combination of meds at lower doses that will work and be safe

If there is anyone with AEFW's in Vancouver who has an hour or two to experiment with AEFW treatments next time I am down there (preferably within 20-30 minutes of downtown on public transit) then lets experiment.

[Aquattro]

You would also then need to test with other livestock. The problem isn't what kills them, it's what can kill them in-tank without killing everything else :)