Dipping Corals

[michika]

I've recently received quite a few requests for information on how to dip corals. I thought I would just photograph the process the next time I added something to my tank.

The supplies
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0003-6.jpg

Adding the dip to water
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0004-2.jpg

All mixed in
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0005-4.jpg

Floating for 5-10 minutes.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0006-2.jpg

The dip kills pods, and may kill acro crabs, but I always make sure to check first.

Voila the post-dipped colony.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/PICT0004_1-2.jpg

[Delphinus]

Cool documentation!

So what are the nasties that you're getting rid of? Red bugs and/or AEFW?

[michika]

I do it as a preventative measure to avoid flatworms. Never had them, but after seeing some of the potential damage they cause I'd be happy to avoid them.

This particular dip, Tropic Marin Pro-Coral Cure, works against flatworms, and unspecified parascitic and microbial diseases (From the box). Its an Iodine preparation.

I was going to do interceptor as well, but somehow I misplaced the pills, but put the box back in its right place...

[Joe Reefer]

I think you misplaced the box at my house I while back.:mrgreen:

[michika]

I think you misplaced the box at my house I while back.:mrgreen:

Lol, if only it was that simple! I had it like two weeks ago, and I'm so compulsive about putting things back and cleaning up when I'm done. Its driving me crazy!

[Neil]

so the microwave in the picture is to what? nuke the parasites pre dip?

[michika]

so the microwave in the picture is to what? nuke the parasites pre dip?

Lol! Its the backdrop to the very limited available counterspace! :lol:

[saltynuts]

will it work on nudies!!!!!

[michika]

will it work on nudies!!!!!

Not totally sure on that. I've heard freshwater is the best way to go for nudies. The packaging says nothing about nudies, so you may want to consult the website.

[EmilyB]

Can you elaborate on the damage flatworms cause? My understanding was that they were unsitely, largely fed on algae, and only caused damage when killed in large numbers ?

[mr_alberta]

I think you are thinking about the rust colored flatworms and not the acro eating flatworms Deb.

[EmilyB]

Ah yes, I am !

[hawk]

will it work on nudies!!!!!

It doesn't seem to work on nudis. It may kill some or at least irritate them enough to dislodge them, making them easier to see. I haven't been able to find anything that reliably works on nudis. The problem is the eggs, which none of the current dips/methods kill. They can be in any nook or cranny waiting to hatch. A few months back I received a really nice monti with nudi's, I resorted to fw dips and daily inspections, picking off what I could see. I thought I had them beat a couple of times but after 2 months I gave up. I read that Eric Bournman is releasing a new nudi treatment in "Advanced Reefkeeping" sometime in the fall.

[mr_alberta]

Hi,

How did you manage to do a FW dip on a Montipora? I tried it before and the montiopora never survives its encounter with the freshwater. Any help would be great.

Thanks.

It doesn't seem to work on nudis. It may kill some or at least irritate them enough to dislodge them, making them easier to see. I haven't been able to find anything that reliably works on nudis. The problem is the eggs, which none of the current dips/methods kill. They can be in any nook or cranny waiting to hatch. A few months back I received a really nice monti with nudi's, I resorted to fw dips and daily inspections, picking off what I could see. I thought I had them beat a couple of times but after 2 months I gave up. I read that Eric Bournman is releasing a new nudi treatment in "Advanced Reefkeeping" sometime in the fall.

[hawk]

Hi,

How did you manage to do a FW dip on a Montipora? I tried it before and the montiopora never survives its encounter with the freshwater. Any help would be great.

Thanks.

When I said resorted to fw dips that was after trying everything from Lugols, TMPCC, I even tried the Fluke tab treatment some are using for AEFW's. I figured Fw was worth a shot. The monti definitely took a big hit with fw, partially bleached out but not totally. It was still alive when I gave-up.