flatworms

[Xubar]

Here's the short and sweet of it. My setup is about 3 1/2 months new and after about a week after setup could see a lot of pods in my sump. Each day seemed like there was more and more...going great right?! Well, the same day I started is when I put a 1/2 ziplock bag full of chaeto in that I got from another local reefer.

About a month ago I noticed flatworms in my sump and now the pod population is all but gone and all I see are red flatworms everywhere.

I've never added anything to the sump (besides the chaeto), so I'm guessing they came from there. Not knowing for sure, but regardless I have the problem.

1) I've heard good and bad things about flatworm exit and am leary of trying it.

2) I've read six-line wrasses are a natural predator of them, so about a week ago I added one to my sump. I haven't notice any less flatworms.

3) ??

Is there an easy fix? :rolleye1:

 

[gws76]

I hear six lines are hit and miss, when it comes to flat worm issues. I have one and never have seen a single flatworm in the display.
I just finished using flat worm exit in my system since finding flatworms (red planeria) in my sump. I have not noticed any ill effects (followed the directions to the letter), other that the flat worms dieing.
If you plan to use falt worm exit, be sure and syphon out as many flat worms as possible, before using the product. They release a toxin when they die.

 

[phenom5]

I would go the Flatworm Exit route. Used it myself, worked great. Just siphon out as many FW's as you can before you dose...I did that every other day for the week leading up to the treatment. Then I dosed 2x the instructions on the first treatment, siphoned out as many FW's as I could as they died, ran carbon after about 20 minutes, and did a large water change. This was a fully stocked mixed reef at the time, and none of my corals even blinked. A week later I did a second dose, but I dosed 3x what the instructions said to dose. No problems, and I haven't seen a red flatworm since. The Flatworm Exit itself isn't toxic to corals, fish or (most) inverts, it's the toxins released by the flatworms when they die...that's the problem.

Good Luck. :thumbsup:

 

[Xubar]

Thanks, I actually just ordered some - I'll give it a go!