Flatworms (I love them)

[milhous3er]

I have red planaria flatworms. I've had them for awhile, around 4-5 months. They are starting to get unsightly, to the point where my LR are rusty red. Sandbed is starting to look like Mars. I've tried it all, FWE, Syphoning, Yellow coris wrasse (I have 2, love the fish).

I recently just started running a skimmer. Will the skimmers production help reduce the available nutrients these FWs are feeding off of ??

Params (as they've been for about 8 months now)
0 Ammonia
0 Nitrite
0 Nitrate
SG- 1.025

 

[killarsox]

I put a 6 line wrasse in the tank about a year ago, haven't seen a flatworm since. Use caution as not all 6 line's take to flatworms, and just about all 6 lines are a bit aggressive.

 

[Genetics]

I believe since red planaria are thought to contain photosynthetic dynoflagelates they will thrive with just lighting. The best solution is introducing an organism that will prey on them to keep them in control.

 

[lordofthereef]

I am confused. Why do you have "I Love Them) in your thread title? It sounds to me you're aiming to get rid of these guys?

 

[manhorsedog]

I am confused. Why do you have "I Love Them) in your thread title? It sounds to me you're aiming to get rid of these guys?

sarcasm

 

[ColaAddict]

how bout that flatworm exit stuff. If nothing else works, and they are starting to cover your corals to the point that corals aren't getting light and will die off, you might aswell try the chemical treatment

 

[milhous3er]

sarcasm

Yep

 

[kgross]

If they are that thick I would not do flatworm exit.....

But the skimmer might help, I have seen them go down in a tank for no known reason. It will not get rid of them though.....

 

[milhous3er]

how bout that flatworm exit stuff. If nothing else works, and they are starting to cover your corals to the point that corals aren't getting light and will die off, you might aswell try the chemical treatment

I've tried FWE numerous times (3 boxes now). Google tells me that the FWE kills the FWs, but not the eggs. They aren't shading the corals (yet), as I monitor them everyday and blow off the FWs, but its just irritating knowing that I can't do anything to keep these boogers out.

Is it possible to keep a 6 line and 2 yellow chromis wrasse together ?? I'm getting close to my limit on fish (4).