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For the Health of Your Reef Aquarium – Dip it!

Posted by: Dave Acland in Aquarium Livestock, Coral Health, Reef Aquariums May 19, 2010 1 Comment 5165 Views

Acro Red Bug infestationWhen in doubt, dip it. Whether you are a beginner, or veteran, reef aquarium keeper, your prized corals are susceptible to a wide range of pests, parasites and infections. Acropora Eating Flatworms (AEFW), Montipora Eating Nudibranchs (MENS), Zooanthid Eating Nudibranchs, snails and spiders, and pathogenic bacteria causing Rapid Tissue Necrosis (RTN) are far too common problems we face in the hobby. Wild harvested, farm raised, or even the coral you traded with a friend for, can potentially introduce some nasty little critters into your aquarium.

Quarantine is always the best practice to protect your display tank, but quarantine alone may not be enough. As another form of defense, get aggressive with your tank security, and incorporate a dipping process into your routine. Dip your new corals as an extra step of protection, every time. In addition to exterminating pests and parasites, dipping can also prevent infections in damaged tissues, or freshly cut tissues during artificial coral propagation.

There are many coral dips on the market today. Iodine-based dip products have been around for a number of years, and are still very popular. Products like Brightwell Aquatics MediCoral and Tropic Marin Pro Coral Cure are very effective against flatworms and bacteria. There are also a number of Herbal based coral dips that have found their way on to the market recently. Products like Two Little Fishies Revive Coral Cleaner, Coral rX Coral Dip, and even API’s Marine Melafix have become very popular with the coral propagation crowd.

brown flatworms on bubble coralDipping should be carried out, per the manufacturer’s directions, in a separate glass or plastic container. As I said earlier, it is best to be done in conjunction with a quarantine tank for observation. While many parasites can be removed with the coral dips, their eggs usually will not be removed, and repeated treatments may be necessary. But believe me, the benefits of the treatments and the prevention of these troublesome and destructive creatures will far outweigh the time and effort you put forth.

Red Acro Bug infestation image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by JSteljes

Brown flatworms on bubble coral image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Samuel Chow and Haplochromis

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About Dave Acland

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After graduating from Coastal Carolina University with a BS in Marine Science in 1996, I started my professional career in 1997 as an aquarist at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, SC. This was an amazing experience, in which I gained invaluable hands on training in exhibit design and construction, as well as husbandry skills for a wide range of animals. In 2000 I started working at That Fish Place as one of the staff Marine Biologists, with the responsibility of maintaining one of the largest retail fish holding systems in the world. I presently hold the position of Director of Aquatic Science, where I oversee the operation of our 35,000 gallon retail aquarium systems, and provide technical support for our mail-order and retail store customer service staff. As an aquatic product specialist, I also provide support for our purchasing and marketing departments, as well as contribute web content and analysis. As a Hobbyist I acquired my love of aquariums from my father who was keeping a large aquarium in early 70’s, and set up my first aquarium when I was 12 years old. I have now been keeping aquariums for over 35 years, and through this time have kept more aquariums and types of fish than I can remember. I set up my first Saltwater aquarium in 1992, which led me down the path I still follow today.