ScottT1980
Well-Known Member
Well, this is another fad that I have seen gain in popularity within the past couple of months. A number of individuals have been going to the local vet and treating their systems with interceptor, a heartworm preventative for dogs (I think it might also get some intestinal parasites but my memory fails me at the moment). Why would they do this? Well, many have been concerned with the acropora "red bugs" and it was determined that this was an "effective treatment," for the red bugs at least.
Of course, treatment with this drug in our systems is a bit scary, in my opinion, because of potential residual effects. Also, it will undoubtedly take out a pod population. Does it affect corals? Can it be bound in a SB? So many questions...
Here is a thread discussing the topic on RC. The real problem lies in whether or not a colony can be isolated from the system or if the acropora has encrusted and would cause major tear-down to treat a given colony. Borneman has come to the conclusion that perhaps lugols at a concentration of 5mL/liter for ten minutes is good if you can dip the corals. However, system treatments remain the real concern...
I mention in the above thread the use of lufeneron (program) as a potential system treatment. The only rub is that it is a chiton inhibitor and so it would kill all arthropods (shrimp, crabs, pods, etc...). It is a much more benign drug with low toxicity levels and was reccomended to me by a buddy of mine who specializes in invert medicine (although, it must be understood that this field is VERY new and the knowledge base is minimal).
Anyway, I wondered if anyone has thoughts on this or if anyone here has attempted using interceptor in their tank. I know of a few and would love to hear some anecdotal experiences...
Take er easy
Scott T.
Of course, treatment with this drug in our systems is a bit scary, in my opinion, because of potential residual effects. Also, it will undoubtedly take out a pod population. Does it affect corals? Can it be bound in a SB? So many questions...
Here is a thread discussing the topic on RC. The real problem lies in whether or not a colony can be isolated from the system or if the acropora has encrusted and would cause major tear-down to treat a given colony. Borneman has come to the conclusion that perhaps lugols at a concentration of 5mL/liter for ten minutes is good if you can dip the corals. However, system treatments remain the real concern...
I mention in the above thread the use of lufeneron (program) as a potential system treatment. The only rub is that it is a chiton inhibitor and so it would kill all arthropods (shrimp, crabs, pods, etc...). It is a much more benign drug with low toxicity levels and was reccomended to me by a buddy of mine who specializes in invert medicine (although, it must be understood that this field is VERY new and the knowledge base is minimal).
Anyway, I wondered if anyone has thoughts on this or if anyone here has attempted using interceptor in their tank. I know of a few and would love to hear some anecdotal experiences...
Take er easy
Scott T.