SPS eater

[Electrokate]

Hi,
I was out of the hobby for a little over a year, which is a long time in the reef world. I see references to STN but not much useful info, and flatworms that eat SPS. I am getting back into SPS so want to learn more about what to avoid. Can you tell me about what parasites and diseases are currently known to affect SPS and which if any have been debunked? Seems like a lot of experts have mythologized reef tank problems... I like facts Also what preventive treatments are necessary for new corals IE do you do flatworm exit dips, lugols dips etc and how long to quarantine, what to look for while in quarantine. Only talking disease or parasites here, not color or growth or problems caused by poor husbandry. I already learned all I want to know about those issues the hard way.

I can't see well so am afraid that I will not notice parasites like flatworms or red bugs or whatnot. If I know what I am supposed to try and see, I can more easily adapt my viewing to the task and use necessary tools IE magnifying glass, flashlight. Also I could try to train the spousal unit to do the spotting.
Thank you,
Kate B
Portland

 

[returnofsid]

Something you can do to make it easier to inspect your corals that are already in your tank, is to take a photograph of them, nice and clear and a Macro if possible. Then you can open it up and zoom in on it to inspect it better.

 

[Electrokate]

That is a good idea for most people... My main camera is a generic import point and shoot the size of a deck of cards, focus is able to see flat things like mushrooms but it always aims past the SPS. I have an old 2.3 megapixel Fuji with manual focus that sometimes takes a decent macro. The screens on both are really terrible though so I have trouble focusing them that way. Right now those awesome new digital SLR's are way out of my financial orbit Plus most stores don't allow photos around here.
Kate

 

[kevinpo]

Here is some information. Check the links on the left under "Pest Control"

http://www.melevsreef.com/pest_control.html

Regards,
Kevin

 

[colleen]

Since I purchased some frags that came with a bonus of acropora eating flatworms I've been dipping all my new frags in Malafix Marine (coral dip instructions are on the bottle) and inspecting under the microscope for any eggs. Lugols didn't seem to affect the AEFW much, and Fluke tabs worked okay, but I believe they only causes paralysis, so then you have to blow the flatworms off with a powerhead. The melafix is quick, within a minute all and pods are jumping off. I haven't had any of my corals show any ill effects or signs of stress with this method, the vast majority of them don 't even slime.