Adam, note taken.  Everyone has their own oppion, but wording is everything, no appology necessary.

John Fletcher "ReefAquarist"

I also don't like to over react infact I think I tend to under react but that's niether here nor there.

I noticed  some aiptasia in my tank some time ago I remained in observe mode and did nothing to rid them.  I think they came in peace.  I saw no harm done and I haven't seen them since.

I also understand that they can reproduce and become a problem.  Members on this forum have teamed together and come up with some really good suggestions. 

John,

Yes, a little harsh.  But I'm also pointing the finger at myself.  We (including me) tend to think we know what we are doing.  So, we give people advice and often don't promote the idea of letting them try something new their own way. 

Obviously the club does the best it can to help people, but even as a president I have to admit that somethings are questionable.  Especially regarding our speakers and presentations. 

(sorry for the long message here) My orginial point was an effort to prevent people from over reacting when they see an aiptasia.  It isn't always a bad thing.  

Anyway, my apologies for any bad feelings regarding that comment. 

Adam  

I love this message board. It's so fun to be having this kind of exchange all through the month and not just at meetings. I'm an addict, I admit it.

Seems to me that when I did my stint as Pres. it was always unnerving to hear someone at an LFS say something about hearing a crazy WMAS member saying some ridiculous thing. As much as I wanted the club to have credibility, I was then, and still am, guilty of putting forth my own silly opinions. But it sure is fun!!!

Adam,

Don't you think that this "Our club is notorious for giving people bad information.  I can understand not wanting them to take over your tank, but I don't mind seeing a few of them around." was a little harsh, coming from the President. :(  Maybe a better choice of words would be appropriate.  IMO Aiptasia are very hard to controll, that is why I have two Pepermint shrimp in my tank at all times.

John Fletcher "Reefaquarist"

Obviously Mark and Adam have never had an Aiptasia problem.  It is true that many times Aiptasia will not get out of control and is not a pest to many people, but those who have gone through having an Aiptasia problem never want to have it again and will do anything to avoid it.  Aiptasia is one of the hardest pests in the reef to control.

Once again, good message Mark!

Why are people trying to get rid of Aiptasia?  I have a few in my tank, and they look great.  Just because someone tells you they are bad, doesn't mean they are.  Our club is notorious for giving people bad information.  I can understand not wanting them to take over your tank, but I don't mind seeing a few of them around. 

Adam

That's right Jon. The voice of reason prevails! Most tanks sustain a few Aiptasia and the little buggers never go any further than that.

Quote: Originally posted by Jake Pehrson on 18 March 2003

---

FYI - Berghia Verrucicornis are specialized eaters, eating only Aiptasia.  After the Aiptasia is a gone it will be impossible to keep them alive.

---

Are berghia scarce/unsustainable?  How expensive are they?  It's gotta be cheaper then 75 pepperment shrimp.  I kinda like the idea of passing one around, kind of a club mascot :).

On the other hand, I think there is a tendency to overreact to aptaisa, some worms, ect.  I kill 'em when I can, but I wouldn't pull my rocks out to kill a few aptaisa.  It would have to be a plague of biblical proportions.