Killing Acro red bugs?

Mrfish55 · #1 02-10-2009, 08:16 PM

I recently recieved some stunning corals from a fellow Canreefer (you know who you are, thanks a bunch!

) Only problem was they were infected with the infamous red acro bugs, I did a little research reguarding killing the little buggers off without killing the coral itself, after discussing the matter with the local vet (and explaining what it was all about) and reviewing the trials using Advantage for treating dogs, we decided to give Milbemax a try (heart worm med. for kittens) the only difference we could find was that the effective ingredient (Milbemycin Oxime) was a lower dose (4mg as opposed to the 24mg in Advantage). Milbemax also contains 10mg Praziquantel (primary ingredient in PraziPro (Hikari) fish medication) which works by increasing the permeability of the membranes of the parasite which in turn allows the Milbemycin Oxime to work more effectivly (in theory). I dosed the 30 gal quarantine tank with 1/2 of one pill (pulverized and disolved into tank water)yesterday at 1:00pm, by 5:00pm last night there was no visible signs of live red bugs on any of the corals (you could clearly see hundreds of dead ones floating in the current) and today all corals are displaying good color and amazing polyp extension. I plan on a repeat treatment every five days for three treatments total to ensure complete kill off before placing into the main display, I will keep all posted as to the final results.

hillegom · #2 02-10-2009, 08:45 PM

I am glad that this treatment worked for you. Will be waiting to hear the follow up

Aquattro · #3 02-10-2009, 08:56 PM

Just curious why you chose to not use Interceptor?

Mrfish55 · #4 02-10-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Just curious why you chose to not use Interceptor?

This stuff was cheaper and available without having to order. It was worth a try and appears to have worked very effectively.

Aquattro · #5 02-10-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

This stuff was cheaper and available without having to order. It was worth a try and appears to have worked very effectively.

good enough reasons

Any mortalities in anything else? Pods?

Mrfish55 · #6 02-10-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

good enough reasons

Any mortalities in anything else? Pods?

There was a couple dead pods floating around the quarantine but I am unsure if they were alive before treatment or not, I don't like to put anything in the main display unless absolutely necessary. So far I am happy with the results, time will tell.