How to kill star polyps?

I had a large pencil urchin that started devouring all my softies. I think they leave harder corals like SPS alone. So, if you want to kill off your softies, you could try this route. I had a kenya tree colony that he litterally devoured overnight. I had 7 stalks about 8 in tall and overnight, he ate 6 down to short tiny stumps. So, he had to go. I have heard they also eat polyps and other softies. I new I was in trouble when I put him in the tank and he made a bee-line to the closest softy he could get to.

He was a pain to get out though. lol!

 

Laser.

 

Interesting.

I've been pondering the same question because my tank is overgrown with purple mushrooms.

I though about going the chocolate chip starfish route, but my main concern is that it would go after my Saebe Anenome.

 

+1 on the laser
I would scrap off what I can then use kalk past, just use small amounts at a time.

 

Would you consider angry sea-bass?

 

I just took the rock that were covered out one at a time, and let them bake for a couple weeks, and the polyps died off. Put them back in the tank, let it do a little cycle time, and then pulled out the next rock.

 

maybe cover the rocks with something that will block light for awhile might kill off the star polyps

 

Oh..you don't want to remove them, NM

 

I read a thread on a guy that used fluke tabs to eliminate star polyps and xenia from is tank. he posted pics of his results and it did not effect anything else in his tank but totally eliminated the gsp and xeia.

 

I really don't know how pratical the laser is, but they do make waterproof ones aparently. I was reading the thread over on RC and laughing my butt off! We fish nerds certianly are a unique breed.

 

The laser method is very effective as long as you have a HIGH power laser, but you have to be very careful not to hit any fish with the laser and make sure the laser will not reflect off of any surfaces. If the laser is able to burn through coral just think what it would do to you or your fish.

 

Put an empty frag plug next to the rock they're on and leave an eviction notice. Star Polyps are nothing if not respectful of the landlords wishes, I'll come by and pick up the plug tomorrow and provide them a new home.

 

Your first 2 options ive never tried. The rocks on top is a waste of time been there done that. Peeling will not get rid of them, depending on how close they are to your sps it will keep them from over taking them(which they will been there also). You just have to keep on top of it and scrap peel as much as you can and as far back as you can. choclate chip star fish seems like it might work if you can contain it,also the urchin idea seems good also. I am one for using chems as a lat resort. Good luck i feel your pain.

 

superglue them