Christmas tree worm long term success

[ocram]

Hi,

Christmas tree worms (spirobranchus giganteus) are generally considered as hard to keep and often perish within a year after having been introduced to a reef tank.

I would like to know if there are people who have long term success keeping them (and their host coral). Lets define long term as "more than two years".

If you have long term success, please tell us whats important in your experience and dont forget to also provide us with pictures [emoji3]

Looking forward to an interesting discussion!

Marco

 

[Member No. 1]

I have one coming up on 1 year. This was a rescue that my LFS had given up on. Since in my care, I see more worms and the porites host has entrusted areas that were gone. This is a very slow growing coral. It was light brown, but lately it's taken on a nice green hue. I'll try to get an updated pics tonight.

 

[ocram]

Hi, sounds nice. Pucture would be great.

 

[Member No. 1]

As requested.

 

[ocram]

As requested.

[emoji3] [emoji3] nice

 

[ReefRealEstate]

Does the coral require really bright light or low light?

 

[Member No. 1]

Sorry for the late reply.

Med to high light, acclimate slowly.

Med to high flow.

 

[Redland]

I just got similar looking Christmas tree worms. Have you been feeding them? How are they doing?

 

[djbon]

The secrets are:

1) Take care of the hosts - adequate light as stated above, adequate nutrients and good flow will ensure the porites survival

2) Feed the trees - broadcast feeding small particulate foods for filter feeders as recmmended

3) Predator free tank - anything that eats tube worms, feather dusters or like to pick on tube worms is not good

4) Placement - keep it away from other corals especially those with feeder tentacles

 

[static916]

What are the predators for the tube worms?

 

[ca1ore]

I have had a couple of them in my frag tank now; one for about six months, the other for over a year. The porites coral has grown, and none of the worms have died. Whether survival of the worms is dependent upon the living coral is unclear to me. That always was the view, but I never saw a definitive view on it. Regardless, porities is a relatively easy coral to keep so that doesn't really seem like an obstacle. I think the bigger problem is predation of the worms from wrasses, angels or even grazing tangs; or at least irritation to the point that they shed the frilly head and starve. I have no predators in my frag tank; I also feed small particles 1-2 times per week.

 

[Redland]

Thanks for the info! What small particle foods are you feeding?

 

[ca1ore]

Rod's coral blend and reef roids.