Easy way of weeding Kenya tree corals?

[hwofnt]

I was wondering if there is an easy way to keep Kenya tree coral (Capnella) in check in large tanks. It drops branches, they attach itself and, and if leave it without doing something about it, they fill the tank in months.

What I do now: using razor blade to cut them from the glass (bare bottom tank), less chances the they grow on the irregularly shaped rock. Anyway, they slim a lot during this procedure and likely this is not so good for a water quality.

Is there anything better for controlling it?
Looking back, I'm starting to think it would be better never use them at all.

[Carl]

The problem with the Capnella Soft Coral is that that they are so hardy (they are not as dependent upon symbiotic zooxanthellae for survival and thus can get by in conditions many corals cannot), so these are popular.

I have never attempted there removal, however one thought occurs to me is that you have a bare bottom tank; what about adding a layer of sand and some live rock/coral crumbles on top of this to discourage their propagation?

I am going down to LA this Thursday and will ask others I meet with (such as at Quality Marine) their opinions about this and try and get back to you next week.


Here is a picture for those not familiar with these corals:

Carl