flatworms :(

[annamarie421]

Hi everybody -

I noticed some flatworms in my new 75g tank on Monday, and I'm trying to figure out what I should do about them. There aren't a ton of them yet, but I want to figure something out before there are! I've done quite a bit of research already, but would like to hear you guys' opinions on the matter. I'm pretty sure that they are "Red Planaria" flatworms (they seem to be the best match from the pictures I've looked at). I couldn't get a decent picture of them with our POS digi-cam.

Tank stats:
Amonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates aprox. 5
SG is 1.024
pH 8.2
Temp is steady at 76
Ca 420
Alk 8

The tank was set up just over a month ago with 80+ pounds of cured LR purchased from locals, half LS and half dry reef grade sand (Carib-Sea, I believe). Inhabitants are 2 peppermint shrimp, 5-7 assorted snails & hermits (the rest of my CUC comes next week), and some soft corals - no fish in there yet.

I have 4 MJ1200s for circulation, and a AquaC Remora skimmer (to be replaced with an ASM G-3 on Saturday, and adding a sump/return to my setup).

I am at a loss for if I should try natural methods (like a predatory fish) & siphoning them out, or if I should use the Salifert Flatworm Exit. I know I'm not the first to have this problem, so please advise away!

Thanks in advance!!

Anna

 

[glaspie69]

I'm not positive without looking it up but I'm pretty sure there are a few none aggressive, reeef safe fish that will eat flat worms. Mandarins I'm sure are one of them and I think a few of the wrasses' also eat them but I would definitly need to look it up to be sure. Hope it helps Jason

 

[musty baby]

glaspie is correct, if memory serves me correct, but as an added note I had no problem giving my tank a double dose of flatworm exit

 

[Fishy1]

I had a round with flat worms too I used Exit at three times the strength (not recommending you do this) and still had a few. I added a Copperband butterfly and I no longer have flat worms. My Copperband will not be part of my new set up, however, as he likes LPS corals. I plan on adding a yellow coris wrasse(Halichoeres Chrysus) which is known to eat flat worms. I also want a mandarin eventually. I'm hoping with the addition of these I will continue to see no flat worms

HTH

Janey

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

reef safe wrasses that feed on flatworms:

bluespotted wrasse - not with clams

golden wrasse - safe with corals but not with fanworms,small snails and shrimp.

sixline wrasse

eightline wrasse - safe with corals but not with small crabs, shrimp, small snails, bristleworms, and urchins

fourline wrasse - no ornamental shrimp.

chiseltooth wrasse - smaller are safe but adult are not good with shrimp and small clams

hope that helps

 

[annamarie421]

Thanks for all the info, everybody! I am going to pick up a sixline wrasse this weekend. If the wrasse doesn't make a dent in the flatworm population after a week or two then I'll try using Flatworm Exit.

Thanks,
Anna