Bristle worms good or bad

[dodgy67]

Just fed my corals under red led's and noticed whilst feeding my Dragon Soul about 10 bristle worms came out to steal the food not small ones each about 3 to 4 inches all my other corals also had thieves but smaller I reackon in my 44 inch tank must have over 50, they don't seem to stray much past the rock they live under so are they any good at cleaning up food. Is it best to leave then or remove a few, how fast do they multiply

 

[billdogg]

Their population will be determined by the amount of food available to them. Cut back on feedings and you will see fewer of them.

At least IMHO, bristle worms are a vital part of a healthy marine ecosystem. If you happen to have a fireworm or two (similar looking but usually larger, more colorful) as long as you avoid touching them they are pretty much ok as well. If you touch one, you'll quickly learn why they are called fireworms

 

[homer1475]

As billdogg said, they are a vital part of a thriving marine ecosystem. While they may be unsightly, they are a great part of your CUC. Their population will wax and wane as their food supply does the same.

 

[StinkinTuna]

Bristleworms = very good imo.

Your bound to get stuck by them at some point in the hobby but they are great scavengers of leftover foods.

But they can get way bigger than 4-5 inches. In my previous tank i had one that had to at least been 10". Wife was always sigusted by them and they do look freaky but kinda cool at the same time.

Eartworms are goid for your garden and bristleworms good for your tank.

 

[lagatbezan]

Their population will be determined by the amount of food available to them. Cut back on feedings and you will see fewer of them.

At least IMHO, bristle worms are a vital part of a healthy marine ecosystem. If you happen to have a fireworm or two (similar looking but usually larger, more colorful) as long as you avoid touching them they are pretty much ok as well. If you touch one, you'll quickly learn why they are called fireworms

This^.
Make sure you wear gloves when working in your tank or sump. Trust me you do not want to touch one.

 

[tonyjd34]

Are non powder nitrile gloves sufficient protection against bristleworms?

 

[ca1ore]

I must have a thick skin. I pick bristles (both worm and star) out of the chaeto I discard and have yet to get stuck. Been doing it for a great many years too.

 

[FoxFace Fish]

leave them I wish I had more

 

[Heuristic]

Are non powder nitrile gloves sufficient protection against bristleworms?

I use these and have grabbed a ton of bristle worms when cleaning out my chaeto and never been stuck

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XXO60M/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_1_w&ppw=fresh