Just to play the devils advocate, what are the bad aspects of aiptasia? I've always heard they were "terrible"
They are quite a bit like pulsing xenia, but a bit more hearty and very ugly. They spread all over, and terrible things like one going through a power head will make a real mess. Any piece of the species is enough to create a new polyp. They sting and irritate corals. They spread so fast that they can ruin a tank without quick actions. They are hard/nearly impossible to remove manually. All natural pest control comes in the form of a Peppermint shrimp or A specific nudibranch. Some tanks cannot support these critters, so extra care is needed. I don't know if any wrasses eat that type of nudibranch. They are sometimes called Bergia nudis...which I don't think is the correct name.
The science community however benefits from them. They are prolific, and used as an analog to other corals that may not spread as quickly. They certainly have their place, but as most salty tank keepers will tell you "They are bad news" or something to that effect...usually with more 4 letter words.
I had one that came in on a coral frag almost 6 months ago. The frag plug was $6 dollars, and all the zoas were on the side of the stem. It did not make sense till I got it home, and found an Aptasia directly on the center of the plug. First I took the ronson torch to it, than I encased it in super glue.....I then opened my brain to better idea, and just fragged off the zoas. The plug never made it to the tank. Qtanks are great for observation especially of these things.
@Ceejai777 I would never deal with any frag that had aptasia.....Unless I had a qtank and a long time to manually and naturally ensure 100% eradication. Anyone who acts like they are normal to have in a tank is either lying to you to sell a frag or is oblivious. Once you get them, they are nearly impossible to remove. Qtank everything. Keep these out of your tank.
That's why a Qt tank is recommended lol I don't think most of us follow that rule tho
I agree with this 100%. I too was one of the "Most". After introducing a species that is highly invasive, and doing massive steps to remove you learn some self control....Or get out of the hobby in frustration. A q-tank is the best way to enjoy piece of mind, but I do understand that Wives and parents etc can't see or understand why we need a second tank to observe new purchases. Simply, Most people cannot comprehend the mind of an addict