bristle worms

[giambi4343]

in the bottom of my overflow filter, i see a ton of bristle worms or fire worms. they are a couple inches big and i don't see any or never saw any in my actual tank. should i still try to get rid of them even though i don't think they can't get out or should i leave them?

 

[Tennyson]

I don't think they will pose much of a problem, they are a part of your clean up crew, i think. but alot of people like to rid of them from their tank.

If you don't want them, a Coral Banded Shrimp should get them.

 

[thegyft07]

Will the coral banded shrimp be a problem later to a reef tank if they eat all the worms in it?

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

a CBS is a little basturd to have in any tank...mine was constantly trying to catch my clowns and 6line...they are very opportunistic..

a 6line will do the job just as well as a CBS...

as for the worms though, they are 95% not going to be fireworms...and are almost 99% just going to be detrivors...i would leave them...i wish my CBS and sixline didnt annihilate my worm population...

PS.... dont touch them with your hands, and be careful lifting out the media pads...those little bristles sting something terrible for a while..nothing a good dose of vinegar wont cure though...

 

[thegyft07]

whoaaa... so they sting you?

 

[thegyft07]

SO how do the you clean the tank if they sting you. And can the bottom feeders eat if they are in the sand stinging people..

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

they usually hide under rocks etc...not generally found roaming in the sand...they like to hide...as they have predators too...

not so much sting you as you are allergic to the bristles which causes a reaction that feels like a sting...it is much like getting fiberglass batt in your skin and rubbing it.. but it burns a little more...

i have brushed them and moved them around in the sand before no harm no foul...just dont try to pick them up...or you can buy reef gloves

 

[thegyft07]

okay, sounds good. What eats them just in case I get an over run? And if i've never seen them in my tank am I almost for sure to get them any way? (seeded tank with live sand)

 

[Cigar$moker]

arrow crabs will eat them but they will also eat other worms.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

you shouldnt get over run with them if you feed your fish correctly...the population of them is completely dependent on available rotting food...

 

[thegyft07]

OH... Okay, Thanks you guys. I don't think I need to worry about over feeding. I have automatic feeders that feed twice a day, at specific times in specific amounts. Thanks For the information once again.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13833280#post13833280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thegyft07
OH... Okay, Thanks you guys. I don't think I need to worry about over feeding. I have automatic feeders that feed twice a day, at specific times in specific amounts. Thanks For the information once again.

i feed my fish once every two days...i dont think there is any right or wrong way as long as the fish are healthy...my clowns have resorted to being true omnivores like they are supposed to and eat algae between feedings...not too sure what my 6line picks at but he does fine too...the days in between i feed my corals and LPS and anemone...a splash of marine snow, and some diced up silversides and krill for the other guys, hand fed of course to limit the amount running around the tank...but the fish still get some of it..