palythoa removal?
 

I have been watching some pink palythoas grow into an area I wish they wouldn't. It has spread onto a rock that is about 30 lbs and a footing to other rocks, taking it out of the tank is not an option. I have been contemplating using an exacto knife to remove polyps. Would this be a good idea? Would the release of palytoxin harm other tank inhabitants? Any helpful ideas would be appreciated.

Re: palythoa removal?
 

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11505108#post11505108 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefsponge [/i]
[B]I have been watching some pink palythoas grow into an area I wish they wouldn't. It has spread onto a rock that is about 30 lbs and a footing to other rocks, taking it out of the tank is not an option. I have been contemplating using an exacto knife to remove polyps. Would this be a good idea? Would the release of palytoxin harm other tank inhabitants? Any helpful ideas would be appreciated. [/B][/QUOTE]

I wouldn't use an exacto its too much of a risk of breaking. I'd go with a chisel if possible, with a chisel your more opt to break the rock rather than the palys. For the toxins, yes you will release them if you damage the palys. So don't rub your eyes and wash your hand/arms right after since its dispersed in the water. If they don't mean anything to you, treat them like a aiptasia and nuke them with some joe's juice.

I just wouldn't feel comfortable taking a chisel to rock inside my tank, there goes the bottom! Your idea with joes juice looms in the back of my head.

I would think the best way would be to remove the rock from the tank then chisel them off. That way you don't have to worry about busting them inside the tank, or the tank for that matter :)