Hydroids-HELP!

[BlueAbyss]

Originally Posted by Whatigot

every tank is going to experience different "stages", what might have worked for you to just leave to sort itself out, might wind up an epidemic for someone else.
I can't agree that hydroids are like algae...they are a pest like algae, more like Aiptasia in that hydroids give a nasty sting to anything they touch (like your finger) and I have seen them kill a 5 inch sps overnight.

You should see how my red and gold zoas compete with my hydroids, it is incredible how much something can accelerate their reproduction in order to get the last word in their "niche".

I would deal with hydroids immediately if at all possible, wished I had when I had the chance.

I agree, best to deal with it immediately by removing as many as you can by whatever means necessary. What I'm saying is that for long term success, you need to find a way to remove whatever it is that they are feeding on that is causing them to grow out of control, be it nutrients or an imbalance of some kind.

And that's exactly what I meant, is that hydroids are like algae in the manner that they are pests and can easily get out of control... but I doubt hydroids occupy the same ecological niche as zoas. Are they mainly photosynthetic? I doubt it if they have stinging nematocysts, they probably feed on zooplankton or tiny 'pods.