How do you catch flatworms and nudibranchs?

[MusicTeach]

Specifically, what tools, or traps do you need to catch flatworms and nudibranchs? I am a new hobbyist (after 12 years), and don't necessarily have the tools on hand. I may need to get some.

What tools and/or strategies do you employ to catch flatworms and nudibranchs?

 

[EdgeN]

Some airline tubing and a lot of patience has served me well over the years. I've found that the best time to find these creatures is as soon as the lights come on in the morning. Hunting at night with a flashlight can also be effective.

http://www.melevsreef.com/flatworms.html

 

[billdogg]

Although manual removal of flatworms works, you may find it difficult (and tedious) if there are more than just a few.

For any corals that can be easily removed from the tank, I found that a 10-15 second dip in temperature matched ro/di water worked exceptionally well. Just gently swish the coral in the ro/di water and the FW's will drop like flies. The difference in osmotic pressure causes them to burst. The short exposure to the fresh water WILL NOT harm the coral at all.

I have also used Flat Worm Exit with limited success (2 times, at 2x the recommended strength)

What finally got them out of my tank for good was the addition of a pair of Blue Star Leopard Wrasses. I don't know the size of your tank, but ultimately, it was natural predation that did the job for me.

For the Nudibranchs - Get yourself a red LED flashlight and hunt them down after lights out. I would wait at least a couple hours after the lights are off, and leave the house lights off as well. Beware, also, that if there are Nudi's. there are eggs.

 

[Potatohead]

Wrasse(s)

 

[Haunt]

Certain wrasses can be effective, but the size of the tank will kind of limit your choices. (if at all) Also, a lot of them don't really have the best temperament either. There's just a lot of variables to consider when adding this type of fish to a tank. IME manual removal was the best option. It was a marathon though not a sprint.

 

[billdogg]

My Leopard Wrasses are the most active, but peaceful, fish in the tank. Any of the Fairy or flashers would be good too. And I'd rather have the FW's than own a 6 line.

I agree that Manual removal, at least in the early stages, is a good option, and really, FWE would be my last choice.

 

[cwschoon]

FWE worked perfectly for me!

 

[sirclintler]

Yellow c wrasse worked for my flatworms almost over night