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Saltwater Aquarium Guide Reef-keeping magazine
Coral Care

Coral Dipping: How to Stop Aiptasia, Flatworms, and Red Bugs at the Door

A comprehensive guide to dipping new corals to prevent pest outbreaks — products, contact times, and post-dip rinses.

Cluster of Aiptasia anemones on rock; Aiptasia are a common reef aquarium pest
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
In this article
  1. Bayer Advanced
  2. CoralRx
  3. Post-dip protocol

Every new coral is a potential vector for Aiptasia eggs, flatworms, red bugs, and montipora-eating nudibranchs. Dipping is non-negotiable.

Bayer Advanced

Active ingredient imidacloprid. 5–10 minute dip in tank water diluted 1:30. Kills crustacean pests effectively.

CoralRx

Plant-based, mild on coral tissue. Good for all coral types including delicate SPS.

Post-dip protocol

Rinse in clean salt water before placement. Inspect plug bottom for hitchhiker eggs — remove or re-mount on fresh frag plug.