Any idea what my latest invasion is?

[jmatt]

A low pelt of some kind of maroon/brown polyp is invading a corner of my tank. Any idea what this is and how to treat it? It's not slime algae... they're very small polyps of some sort and they're starting to crowd out some corals.

 

[BryanM]

cloves possibly?

 

[AlyciaMarie]

Wow, that is an invasion. I second possibly clove polyps.

 

[voelter76]

Definitely look like cloves to me as well.

 

[DaJMasta]

I've got pretty similar miniature clove polyps on my rockwork, and it is pretty invasive, but it's never taken to the sand. Maybe getting some sand stirrers (fish and inverts) could help keep it isolated to the rockwork.

After a while, chunks of it can come off or be pulled off like a mat, and at least in my tank there are places where it seems like its weakening, but it spread quickly, crowds corals, and is sort of hard to tell from coralline/cyano because the polyps are often only a couple millimeters across.

 

[jmatt]

two months ago, I threw a sea cucumber onto the rock you see in the pic hoping it would stir the sand and help. In 30 seconds it disappeared under that rock and I have never seen it again.

It's an issue, it really is starting to take over space from the much larger pink/green clove polyps you can see on the left of the first pic.

So, some kind of manual removal then?

 

[BryanM]

two months ago, I threw a sea cucumber onto the rock you see in the pic hoping it would stir the sand and help. In 30 seconds it disappeared under that rock and I have never seen it again.

It's an issue, it really is starting to take over space from the much larger pink/green clove polyps you can see on the left of the first pic.

So, some kind of manual removal then?

If you don’t want them, then I’d think manual removal is the answer

 

[vadryn]

Sorry man. Those have caused tank shutdowns. Good luck

 

[jmatt]

If you don’t want them, then I’d think manual removal is the answer

I started tonight. Pulled that rock from the corner and started to clean. Tried this sand vacuum I purchased awhile back, that didn't do it. Then a large ladle. Then I just manned up and went at it with my hand... I see what you guys are talking about it being in mats. It's like below the sand they are all connected in some way. And the exercise, uh, stunk. Whew!

I will just go at it piecemeal for a week and see how it goes.

 

[jabberwock]

I started tonight. Pulled that rock from the corner and started to clean. Tried this sand vacuum I purchased awhile back, that didn't do it. Then a large ladle. Then I just manned up and went at it with my hand... I see what you guys are talking about it being in mats. It's like below the sand they are all connected in some way. And the exercise, uh, stunk. Whew!

I will just go at it piecemeal for a week and see how it goes.

Sleeves up, hands clean, maybe wear gloves? Change the filter sock after? Good luck.

 

[jmatt]

I was at it again tonight, trying to get everything I didn't get yesterday. Moved the rocks to the sump and pulled out a red solo cup full of clove polyp mats. Then I added fresh sand and replaced the rocks. But I guess I'll have to keep an eye on it and eradicate it where ever I see it again.

And I found my sea cucumber. Exactly where he disappeared to those months back. I thought he'd stir the sand but he has not budged an iota.

 

[jabberwock]

I was at it again tonight, trying to get everything I didn't get yesterday. Moved the rocks to the sump and pulled out a red solo cup full of clove polyp mats. Then I added fresh sand and replaced the rocks. But I guess I'll have to keep an eye on it and eradicate it where ever I see it again.

And I found my sea cucumber. Exactly where he disappeared to those months back. I thought he'd stir the sand but he has not budged an iota.

Now maybe wait a little bit and see what happens?

My mom is from Leighton.

 

[jmatt]

Now maybe wait a little bit and see what happens?

My mom is from Leighton.

I'm not familiar with Leighton... Lehighton, perhaps? I have a client there.

Just for completeness, some pics. While I have your eyes, does anyone have any idea what my lime green friend is in these pics?

This rocks has proper clove polyps (yes?) but all those little guys are wedged in between them... I'll never remove them without destroying the specimen. I can't imagine I could somehow transplant them to a clean rock, can I?

 

[ChiCity]

Sorry man. Those have caused tank shutdowns. Good luck

this.

the problem is you’ll never completely remove it,
they’re incredibly invasive…
trying to remove them manually only allows them to pop up elsewhere and come back with a vengeance!

sorry man,
your only course of action
is fenbendazole treatments…
which will kill your fireworks.

 

[jabberwock]

I'm not familiar with Leighton... Lehighton, perhaps? I have a client there.

Just for completeness, some pics. While I have your eyes, does anyone have any idea what my lime green friend is in these pics?

This rocks has proper clove polyps (yes?) but all those little guys are wedged in between them... I'll never remove them without destroying the specimen. I can't imagine I could somehow transplant them to a clean rock, can I?

That's right, Lehighton...