A Couple Flatworm Syphoning Tips.

[Scott-CapeCoral]

I don't have flatworm issues, just want to point out a couple removal techniques to people who have the issue, but don't know what ways to syphon them.

Hang a small micron size filter sock in your sump, above the water level. Use a small air hose, around 1/4 inch I.d. or around that size. "Syphon" the water from your display, and down to your sump by sucking water through the tubing. Just before you inhale it, while keeping the receiving end of your tube in the display, point the bottom end of your syphon into your filter sock in the sump. Simply scan your tube around your glass and rock work sucking up the flatworms one by one. They will be syphoned through the tubing and caught in your filter sock, while the water is dispersed back into your sump with none of your water actually leaving your system. Remove as many as you possibly can prior to using any flatworm treatments. You don't want the flatworms to die in your tank and release any harmful toxins or waste. Follow the instructions on your choice of flatworm treatment.

For you 'Tim Allen's" out there that wish to use a machine or tool for the job, Grab a small power-head such as a maxi-jet 400 and basically follow the same route from your receiving end of the tube, to the fw collecting filter sock.

For those who don't have a filter sock on hand, I've read a woman's stocking will do the job. I myself would trust a filter sock for the task.

You only get out what you put into this hobby, so get your darn hands wet and solve your problem. Good luck y'all

Scott W.

 

[RokleM]

<i>This thread has been moved to the current forum.</i>

 

[johnwonus]

I use the same technique with one addition. I take a small piece of rigid aquarium tubing about 10" long and heat up the end with a hair dryer so I can put a small bend (45 deg) this makes it easier to get next to and under rock. Just slide the other end into the flexible tubing. Works great.

 

[Scott-CapeCoral]

Good idea there John.

 

[mudskipper1]

I found that the rigid tubing was a huge help as well. To avoid having to suck any water to start the siphon, you can just put the open end in front of a reasonably powerful PH, and it will do the job just fine.

 

[critofer]

I have found a good way to rid my tank for flatworms.

take some small tubing like airline and get a suringe, put the tubing on the end of the suringe.
have on person aim the tubing right above the flatworm and have someone else suck in the worm with the suringe.
when the worm is sucked in, then just squirt it out into a cut of freshwater.

its quite easy and is sorta fun = D

 

[Scott-CapeCoral]

I have found a good way to rid my tank for flatworms.

take some small tubing like airline and get a suringe, put the tubing on the end of the suringe.
have on person aim the tubing right above the flatworm and have someone else suck in the worm with the suringe.
when the worm is sucked in, then just squirt it out into a cut of freshwater.

its quite easy and is sorta fun = D

Cool idea. However, apparently you've never seen a red planaria outbreak! :lmao:
They can make 500 lbs of live rock simply disappear in no time. They breed horrifically.

 

[mudskipper1]

^^At times it can seem like there is more mass in worms than rock in the tank. It is awful even with the OP's approach in just a small tank!

 

[fstlane4me]

I siphoned FW everyday for weeks.It seemed like a never ending battle.I finally gave up on siphoning and added a yellow wrasse.Within a months time no more FW.

 

[Scott-CapeCoral]

Red planaria? Sounds unlikely but great job if that did happen