Flatworm infested live rock and sand

[Navyblue]

Hi all,

My current tank is infested with flatworm, I haven't tried nuking it as I have always been wary about chemicals. Right now I am setting up another tank and will be transferring all livestocks to the new tank. Please vote your opinion.

Thanks.

 

[RichConley]

They the red ones?

Who cares then... if you keep your nutrients in control, they pretty much go away. (or you can get a Halichoeres crysus, melanurus,etc to eat them)

 

[Navyblue]

Yup they are red.

How effective are the Halichoeres chrysus? Are they a hit and miss thing? I tired a six line with no luck.

 

[SDguy]

Just use the FWE as directed after siphoning out as many as you can. Use carbon after. It works. I used it. Literally kills them in seconds/minutes right before your eyes.

Alternately, dip each item as you transfer it into a FWE bath. That way the dead flatworms stay in the bucket and won't pollute either tank.

hth

 

[Navyblue]

That was what I thought, I'd make a super FWE soup and dip the rocks and corals for a good amount of time and then transfer them to the new tank. What made me think twice are the reports that FWE doesn't always work and given time the FW will strike back.

 

[melev]

Navyblue, if you've never used this product before and are wary about using chemicals in your tank, why are you suggesting that you'll make a megadose of "FWE soup"?!

Just dose your tank the proper way. I have some guidelines on my site and in my posts here on RC that should help you resolve the problem uneventfully.

 

[SDguy]

My dip suggestion was not a "super" dip, just the regular dosage. Except they would die and fall off in a separate container, that's all.

 

[Navyblue]

The reason that I am in the line of thinking of a FWE soup is that there seems to be reports that the FW would come back after a while and will be more resistant towards FWE. Since I'll be treating the rocks out of the tank I guess the harm done will be negligible, if any. With the rationale that better safe than sorry. I'd really hate to treat my 120G with FWE if the FW turns out to be a problem in the future.

Since you guys seems to agree that FWE can work wonders if used properly, I guess I'll give it a shot.

 

[schnell76]

FWexit has worked for me, temporarily though. I used it once and it nuked them all, or so I thought. No problems at all, but I siphoned out all I could see and then dosed the tank. When they were all floating I sucked them out too. Looked as if they were all gone, but about a week later I noticed they had come back. I have since does a second time doing the same thing and then followed it up the next day with a stronger dose. After those two back to back treatments I still see the buggers. I guess I will have to dose it again. I have read to double the second or third dose so I may try that. There are not very many in there, less than 5 from what I can see, but if I can see 5 then I know there are more.

I kind of think they are becoming resistant to FWE, but who knows?

 

[serpentman]

I have found that one application may not be enough. I had them come back after one application followed to the letter. At this point, we have drawn a truce until I am ready to dedicate a week to do multiple treatments.

 

[Navyblue]

Thanks again guys.

If I were to dip my rocks, what dosage and dipping period would you recommend? Is it possible if I can get rid of them in one go if I dosed enough?

 

[melev]

If you are going to tear apart your reef to dip each rock, what happens if you overlook some on the glass or on the sandbed? It only takes a few straglers to create more of them.

 

[amike5]

FWE didn't work for me, after 3 attempts and the last one a quadruple dose; I still have them!! FWE was a waste of time and money. Yah, it took me from thousands of flatworms to a few but they will multiply back to thousands I am sure. Now they are immune to the FWE too.

 

[SDguy]

Very interesting...wonder if it was different species? Or just with so many you are more likely to have some resistant? Would make for an interesting study. You should send your super FW to Salifert

 

[amike5]

Lol, I may have to do that. After spending $125, and to still have them; I am quite unhappy.

 

[BreadmanMike]

Varians Nudibranch!

 

[lvreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8809627#post8809627 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by amike5
FWE didn't work for me, after 3 attempts and the last one a quadruple dose; I still have them!! FWE was a waste of time and money. Yah, it took me from thousands of flatworms to a few but they will multiply back to thousands I am sure. Now they are immune to the FWE too.

I have a feeling you did not use the product right. I have used it on several tanks (~25) and have never had it NOT work.

The Varians Nudibranch work incredibly well but are short lived or maybe missing something in its diet.

 

[Navyblue]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8809285#post8809285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
If you are going to tear apart your reef to dip each rock, what happens if you overlook some on the glass or on the sandbed? It only takes a few straglers to create more of them.

I agree that the sand is a tough part. So I guess I'll move only the rocks to my new tank. I'll either sell away or dump my existing tank.

 

[monaca]

I think mine are kind of CUTE... I have tried FWE and six line...just place a madarine in my fuge to see if it will hit them...if not I'll try the Nudi....

 

[wrott]

With enough flow, FW are nonexistent in the display. They are in fuge, but not a problem.