Really depressed...

[Phurst]

So, I found out Monday night that I have AEFWs. 3 good sized colonies down so far. I've done tons of research on treatment, but I just dont' know if I have the time, space, money and energy to treat in the recommended manner. I'm just depressed and angry and trying to figure out how i want to handle this. Sorry to be a downer everyone, but it's been a really crappy week

[Amphibious]

AEFW, Acropora Eating Flat Worms the scourge of every Acro fan. You may already know what your up against but...

In researching AEFW for this response I found this on Mark’s Melev’s Reef - AEFW

From there Mark directs us to his thread on RC about this infestation with 35 pages of additional info from others. Well worth reading. Mark’s AEFW thread on RC

All I’ve got for you beyond that is sympathy and best wishes.

Dick

[Phurst]

Thanks Dick. I've read both of those as well as several other long threads and articles. The treatment seems pretty clear, I just don't know if I have it in me.

[Amphibious]

I skimmed both of those wondering if Interceptor would be mentioned as a cure. Didn’t come across that mentioned. I wonder if it would kill those little bastrrrds. I have some Interceptor if needed.

[Phurst]

Apparently not. They don't appear to be affected by Interceptor, Salifert Flatworm Exit, Fluke Tabs, Parazipro, Levemasole or anything else that would be suitable for 'in tank' treatment

[CarmieJo]

Aww Pearson that really stinks.

[rayme07]

Pearson, I am sorry to hear about your problems I wish you the best of luck in battling these worms and wish your luck to turn around.

[saltaddict]

So sorry Pearson.

[ScubaBosh]

Pearson i'm really sorry to hear about that bro. Try this out first for a hopefully easier fix. "Yretail head shield slug" Please tell me anyone if I'm wrong but I do believe this little beauty eats only flatworms. Good buddy!

[V]

wow, FINALLY, something bloody bad happened to our Lucky Star Phursty. You know somewhere deep inside that horrible pit called Jealously, I kinda felt like doing a jig, but then i remembered, your actually my mate..lol
You know if i was there id be telling you to suck it up princess, & press that red button for nuke fest 2010, or pack it up & take up knitting

So found a solution yet.??? But before we get to that - Lets see the Carnage. You soooo know its kinda like custard, you know anything that colour & consistency isn't good for you, but you cant help yourself & eat it anyways. lol

[Phurst]

That nudi does indeed eat only flatworms, but will not venture onto corals to get them. They also leave a lot to be desidred in the 'grip' department, more often falling victim to a powerhead or overflow before they get much work done. They're great for planaria, since they live on the rocks and substrate, but they're not too much help against AEFWs unfortunately.

V, here are a couple of casualties to make you feel better, LOL.

Wild orange millie:


Pink millie:


Very nice yellow loripes:


Loosing the battle on this wild collected pink and green millie:


Eggs on a different millie:



So, my plan of action is this. This weekend I'll be taking the biggest frags I can of my pieces while sticking to live healthy tissue. I'll be dipping them, and housing them in an unused 90 at my friends house. They'll get weekly dips over there. I'm going to toss whatever's left, and nuke any acro tissue growing on the rocks. My tank will go acro-less for 8 weeks. I'll bring a test piece home after 8 weeks and leave it in my tank for a few weeks to monitor for reinfestation. if all is well, then I'll bring my babies home.

[V]

thank you my friend. Sounds like a logical plan. Hope it plays out like that.
Drinks are on me tonight, to at least dull the pain

[Phurst]

Hope it plays out like that.

Me too. Otherwise, I'll be looking for a good deal on some knitting needles

[Phurst]

Here's a 'before' picture of the above loripes. One of my faves

[ScubaBosh]

ouch man that hurts

[rayme07]

wow I am defantly feeling your pain Pearson. I am sure your plan will work out perfectly and you will get rid of those frekin worms.

[techguy]

This is just not the kind of thing anyone wants to even think about having happen to them. I am truly sorry you have to go through this and I hope that the damage is minimized through your actions. Best wishes for a relatively happy outcome.