Saltwater Pests

When we introduce live rock to your tanks we sometimes receive organisms that are unwanted. These are commonly referred to as Hitchhikers and the majority are beneficial to our tanks. However there are some that pose a threat to our tanks in some way and these are called pests. In the following article I will discuss the most common pests and how do remove them.

Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimp are one of the most threatening pests that we can get. Mantis shrimp can grow quite large and will pose a serious threat to inverts, fish, and even the owner themselves. They use specialized appendages to attack their prey either by spearing or smashing them with heavy clubs. There have been reports of Mantis shrimp cracking glass tanks and even attacking the hands of humans who have their hands in the tank. You will rarely see the Mantis shrimp if you have one as they usually spend most their time hiding in structure and come out only when the tank lights are out.

Signs that you could have a Mantis shrimp:

-Your inverts or fish start disappearing overnight for an unknown reason.

-You hear clicking sounds coming from your tank.

Now those are not definite signs that you have a Mantis shrimp as other pests can contribute to this but if both of these are occurring and a lack of any other culprit you can assume that you have a Mantis.

Ways to remove a Mantis shrimp from your tank:

-Use a homemade trap to capture the Mantis shrimp. Basically they are where a container is placed in the aquarium where the shrimp can enter the trap through an opening but can’t escape back out. You can also use bait to attract to shrimp such as a piece of shrimp.

-If you know what particular rock the Mantis shrimp is hiding in you can remove the rock from your tank and place it in a bucket of carbonated water (club soda). Now take a turkey baster and squirt the carbonated water into the hole that the shrimp is in. The shrimp should leave the rock soon after.

-The last method take a little patience but if done right can be a simple, yet effective way at removing the Mantis shrimp. When it is nighttime, with the tank’s light off, wait and watch for the shrimp to come out from hiding. When the shrimp it away from its burrow quickly try and net the shrimp, however its not an easy task as these shrimp are very quick. Luring the shrimp out with some bait will also help.


Aiptasia Anemones

Glass Anemones, Rock Anemones, Tube Anemones, or more commonly called Aiptasia Anemones can pose a serious threat to your reef tank if left alone. Aiptasia Anemones multiply quickly and can sting nearby inverts and coral. They can even catch small fish that swim by.

Ways to remove Aiptasia Anemones:

- The most effective way of removing the anemones is by injecting each anemone with a liquid using a syringe. There are different liquids you can use including kalkwasser, Joes Juice, lemon juice, or hot almost boiling water. Move quickly or the anemone will retract and inject the liquid into the anemone. The anemone should shrivel up and die within a few days, but if unsuccessful keep trying until it is dead.

-The next method is simple, yet an uncertain way of eradication. Peppermint shrimp have a reputation of removing Aiptasia anemones from a reef tank but there also a chance that the shrimp won’t do its job or not even notice the anemones at all.


Bubble Algae

Although not a serious problem in small numbers can quickly become a problem in larger numbers. Bubble algae can smother corals which is obviously a bad thing in a reef tank. Some people actually like the look of bubble algae which is fine if you don’t have a reef tank.

Ways to remove bubble Algae:

-Carefully scrape or pull them off the rock or if possible remove the rock from the tank and pull them off outside the tank. Be very careful when removing bubble algae as they can pop releasing algae spores into your tank.

-Emerald crabs have a good reputation of removing bubble algae from a tank. Again just like using Peppermint shrimp to remove Aiptasia anemones it is not certain that the Emerald crab with do a successful job at removing the algae.

What do you think of this small article I wrote on Reef Tank Pests? I will probably add more pests.