I think I am having a flatworm problem but I am not sure. I am inept at computers and otherwise would post a pic but for now I will try and describe them. I have a ton of little orangish brown little flat things. They are only about 5 mm long or less and kind of creep along slowly. They only come out when the lights are on and they cover everything rather quickly (sand, LR, glass but not corals thank god.) So I guess I am asking what they are, and how do I wage war on them without hurting corals?
Flatworm infestation
- Thread starter Matthew C
- Start date
Ken668
New member
If you think they are flatworms, the first and easiest thing to try would be a couple scarlet crabs. I'm not 100% certain they are effective against these, but if you dropped in one or two it wouldn't make as much of an impact as if you added a wrasse or such. If they don't work, you could then step up to a Mandarin or Six-line. You could try the flatworm exit but I've had no experience with this, so I can't recommend it.
If you siphon, put a filter bag or a net perched over your sump with the hose secured in it. This way, you'll never have to worry about filling up anything as the water is just returned to your sump. This will essentially strain out the flat worms while passing the water.
If you siphon, put a filter bag or a net perched over your sump with the hose secured in it. This way, you'll never have to worry about filling up anything as the water is just returned to your sump. This will essentially strain out the flat worms while passing the water.
Sounds like FW to me...
Only had to use FWE once...fast and effective...would do it again without hesitation.
If you do use it, just be prepared to do large water change and add lots of carbon. To reduce the effect of the toxin released from dieing FWs, I hooked up a 100 micron sock and siphoned out the dieing FWs best I can. Didn't observe any adverse affects. Lots of threads here about the FWE.
Only had to use FWE once...fast and effective...would do it again without hesitation.
If you do use it, just be prepared to do large water change and add lots of carbon. To reduce the effect of the toxin released from dieing FWs, I hooked up a 100 micron sock and siphoned out the dieing FWs best I can. Didn't observe any adverse affects. Lots of threads here about the FWE.
Thanks a bunch I will order the FWE tomarrow and probably start that syphon trick pronto. I have had the little buggers for over a year now and they are at there worst. I will probably get a wrasse after things get settled. I figure that might help any further outbreaks not to mention I just lost a psudocromis and I have room for another fish. As for Corals I have four diff. Acros a hydnophora, hammer, six or seven different polyps/zoos, staghorn coral, Mustard hill, pineapple, that favite from the frag ws, blastos, trumpets, four or five different porites/posilapora(not sure on spelling), 2 montipora, that purple chalace, some milipora, ivorycoral and 2 gorgonians ....thats about it so I have alot of coral on the line but I will take your word on the safety of FWE, if it works once it will work again.
jaze36
New member
I've used FWE as well with no ill effects. I dosed it very heavy to about 10x what the company recommends. It did a great job. Make sure you have carbon and a water change ready to go, FWE has no ill effect, but FW give off lots of toxins when they die, thoughs can be harmful to corals and fish. I had a huge infestation when I first got into the hobby, they covered everything ( at first I thought they were alge, so they had time to multiply). It took care of my problem and they never came back. If you do some reading on them like TA said you will find lots of positive experiences. Good luck.
