Sarah Brown
Marine mushrooms are species of fungi that live in marine or estuarine environments. They are hard to kill and can be found in coral reefs, at the bottom of the ocean, on driftwood, and in Arctic sea ice. If you want to get rid of them, you can try covering them, blasting them with flow, or physically removing them. Some specific methods include using kalk paste, Frank's F-Aiptasia, or stainless steel straws to scrape them out. It's important to get all the tissue to prevent regrowth. Another method is to place a cube of ice by the foot of the mushroom to ease its grip and then remove it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use kalk paste | Frank's F-Aiptasia |
| Use stainless steel straws attached to a tube to scrape/siphon them out | Ensure to get all the tissue |
| Cover them completely | Blast them with flow |
| Place a cube of ice by the foot of the mushroom | |
| Use forceps to peel them off at the base | |
| Suck them out |
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What You'll Learn
Using kalk paste
Kalk paste can be used to kill marine mushrooms, but it should be noted that it may not be the most effective method. One user on a forum stated that they had tried using kalk paste, but it did not work well, and they had to resort to other methods to successfully eradicate the mushrooms.
To use kalk paste to kill marine mushrooms, it is recommended to first turn off all powerheads and return pumps. Then, prepare the kalk paste by mixing it with RO (reverse osmosis) or RO DI (deionized) water to achieve a toothpaste-like consistency. It should be thick but still able to be sucked up into a syringe. Inject or apply the paste directly onto the centre of the mushrooms, ensuring complete coverage. Leave the paste on for 15 to 40 minutes, and then siphon it off. Be cautious when turning the pumps back on as any remaining paste can blow around the tank and potentially harm other corals.
It is important to note that kalk paste may not always be effective in killing marine mushrooms, especially if you miss even a tiny bit of the flesh. Additionally, some mushrooms can release toxins when treated with kalk paste, which can be harmful to other organisms in the tank. Therefore, it is recommended to proceed with caution and consider other methods if kalk paste does not work for your specific situation.
Some alternatives to kalk paste for killing marine mushrooms include using Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime, injecting the mushrooms with vinegar or lemon juice, using Frank's F-Aiptasia, scraping or siphoning them out with stainless steel straws attached to a tube, or covering their core with epoxy and gently pressing it into the rock.
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Scraping them out with a stainless steel straw
Marine mushrooms can be difficult to kill and challenging to remove, especially if they are attached to a large rock. One method that can be used to remove them is by scraping them out with a stainless steel straw.
To do this, you will need a 1/4" stainless steel straw and a 1/2" hose. Stuff the straw into the hose and secure it with a rubber band. If you cannot reach the mushrooms, attach the hose to coral tongs or something similar. You can then use the straw to scrape the mushrooms off the rock, and the hose will create a siphon to suck them out.
It is important to note that this method may not work for larger mushrooms, as they may be too big to be sucked in by the siphon. In this case, you may need to use a different tool, such as long stainless steel forceps, to scrape the mushrooms off the rock, and then catch them in a fish net.
Additionally, it is crucial to get all of the mushroom tissue when using this method, as even a small piece left behind can result in the mushrooms growing back. This can be a challenging task, especially if the mushrooms are in hard-to-reach places.
Overall, scraping and sucking out marine mushrooms with a stainless steel straw and hose can be an effective way to remove them, but it may not always be successful, and multiple attempts may be necessary.
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Removing the rock
Another option is to turn the rock upside down and shade any mushrooms that are not under the rock. You could also try placing a cube of ice by the foot of the mushroom, which may cause them to ease their grip and make them easier to remove. Be careful not to injure the mushroom, as this can often result in their multiplication.
If you are able to remove the mushrooms, it is important to get all of the tissue, otherwise, they may grow back. You can use forceps to peel them off at the base, but this can be quite challenging. Other methods include using kalk paste, Frank's F-Aiptasia, or a stainless steel straw attached to a tube to scrape or siphon them out.
It is worth noting that mushrooms are very hard to kill and even if you remove them, new ones may start to pop up. It may be more about controlling their growth rather than complete eradication.
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Using Frank's F-Aiptasia
Marine mushrooms are hard to kill and can be a nuisance to other corals. While there are several methods to kill marine mushrooms, Frank's F-Aiptasia is an effective treatment.
Frank's F-Aiptasia is a proven and effective treatment for killing aiptasia anemones, which can be harmful to corals and small fish. It is a dense solution that sticks to the anemones and prevents them from reproducing. When used properly, it is reef-safe and will not harm corals or other inhabitants.
To use Frank's F-Aiptasia, cover the anemones with the solution. It is suggested that you do not use more than 5ml at any one time as it can raise the alk level. You can also try sucking out the mushrooms a few days later using a stainless steel straw attached to a tube. It is important to get rid of all the mushroom tissue to prevent regrowth.
Frank's F-Aiptasia is a better option than other products on the market, which often cause the anemones to reproduce, resulting in more anemones than before. It is also a better alternative to methods such as injecting the anemones or using lasers, which are ineffective for eradication.
While Frank's F-Aiptasia is effective, it may be expensive to obtain, especially with additional costs such as VAT, duty, and customs clearance charges for international shipping.
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Using lasers
Using a laser to kill marine mushrooms is a viable option, but it is important to exercise caution. While lasers can be effective in killing mushrooms, they can also release toxins that may harm other corals and fish in the tank. It is recommended to wear eye protection and ensure that no people or pets are in the vicinity when the laser is being used. Additionally, it is important to note that common laser pointers (3mW) do not generate enough energy to be effective in killing mushrooms. Higher-power lasers are required to emit enough energy to instantly "boil" the targeted mushrooms.
When using a laser to kill marine mushrooms, it is crucial to have a clear shot at the mushrooms to focus all the energy in a single spot. This increases the effectiveness of the laser. It is also important to consider the safety of the tank glass, as heating a portion of the rock right next to the glass may pose a risk of breaking the tank. It is recommended to have a shield in place to prevent injury to any livestock in the tank.
One user reported success in killing marine mushrooms with a laser, stating that within seconds, they could hear a "sizzling" sound as the mushrooms began to boil and eventually explode. However, another user commented that lasers work for control rather than complete eradication of the mushrooms. It is important to note that even after using a laser, mushrooms may regrow if any part of the fungus remains in the soil or rock.
To ensure the effectiveness of the laser treatment and prevent the mushrooms from regrowing, it is recommended to combine the laser treatment with other methods. One suggestion is to use activated carbon, which can help absorb any toxins released by the mushrooms during the laser treatment. Another suggestion is to double up on carbon, burn a few mushrooms, and then perform a water change to reduce the toxin levels in the tank.
It is important to note that the use of high-power lasers may be restricted by FDA regulations, making them difficult and expensive to acquire. Overall, while using a laser can be an effective method for killing marine mushrooms, it requires careful consideration of safety measures and may need to be combined with other methods to ensure complete eradication.
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Frequently asked questions
Some methods to kill marine mushrooms include using kalk paste, Frank's F-Aiptasia, or sucking them out with a stainless steel straw attached to a tube. You can also try covering them completely, blasting them with flow, or physically removing them with forceps.
Marine mushrooms are difficult to kill because they grow back if even a tiny bit of flesh is missed. They can also multiply if they are injured during removal.
Marine mushrooms can become a nuisance and start killing other corals in your tank. They may also affect the biological filtration if left unchecked.
Yes, instead of killing them, you can try changing parameters, lighting, or flow. If they're unhappy, they will detach from the rock, and you can scoop them up or trade them to someone who wants them.
