Removal of Aptasia on Clam?

[sponge steve]

Hello all! I noticed a very small aptasia on max the clam today. Any ideas on how to remove this pest without harming Max? I was thinking about a very quick extrication of Max from the tank and shooting a small stream of very hot water onto the little bugger. The aptasia, not Max. Years ago I tried the STOP APTASIA formula with very poor results so I’d like to stay away from that method. I have an IndoPacific Reef so this pest must have hitched a ride onto Max at the LFS. Any Ideas?

[Spanky]

Steve, I think I would try something like a dental pick and just carefully scrape it off. In another bucket, under water that is.
Then ease Max back into the tank.
That way he's not out of the water.

HTH
Jerel

[MyReef]

Funny you ask...I just did this....this morning in fact. This is what I did....I took my maxima out of the water and placed it in a separate tupperware container. I turned it on its side and got a new razor blade and scraped the offending piece of aptaisia off. I then scrubbed it lightly with a tooth brush....then replaced my clam and disgarded the water. I didn't want any pieces of aptaisia to go back in the tank. HTH

[sponge steve]

Thanks! I'll be sure to keep Max submerged in a separate container. I think hosing Max off with SW after the deed is done might be a good idea as I don't want little fregments of the aptasia returned to the tank. Max & I thank you! Steve