How to catch an eunice worm? In 8 inches of sand...

[Calappidae]

Especially a carpet floor, ugh.

Sounds like my best option, (PVC pipe didn't work, I caught nothing except very tiny bristleworms.) however I do not want to introduce metal into my system, so I may need to do some search for a plastic snake hook.

 

[nitro123456789]

Iron or steel should not be a problem. Run a poly filter if you are really worried

 

[hotelbravo]

the running an object through the sand idea can be disasterous if you have an aged sandbed you dont want to release the built up gases and other compounds within the sandbed which will become toxis.

the only way i see it not being an issue is maybe if your tank was only a few months established and or you very regular stir it up during water changes

 

[Calappidae]

Thankfully, the sandbed is only 3 weeks old. This worm is what haulted me from adding more sand as he become more noticable on the side of the glass. Previously it was just a 2inch sandbed with a ton of rock, now rock is removed, and the ant like tunnels are more visible in the DSB.

 

[Betta132]

Hmm, a snake hook might work really well. I bet you'd be able to pull it out, or at least bring it to the sand surface and get it in a big net.
Or, if the sandbed is that new, how about you just scoop its patch of sand up in a wide-meshed net and sift it out?

 

[cincyjim]

Snake hook is a great idea. You could probably make one out an old coat hanger if you have one laying around. Or you could try a short garden rake.
Jim

 

[rt67ghy]

It's true it'll stir up the sand bed a bit but it depends on how much he rakes the bed to find the worms; the hook will only be app 4 mm in diameter so I wouldn't think raking 10 times would be much of a problem; however raking 50 times in one day would probably stir up a lot of dirt/release trapped gases. But if you rake every 6" along the length of the aquarium you're very likely to snag at least the big worm.

 

[hotelbravo]

why remove it?

they are harmful and predatory. its not a beneficial worm like bristle worms

 

[Calappidae]

Just playing the waiting game for the big fella to dig near the surface again.

 

[afm32607]

Update? And pictures if you catch it?

 

[Dayson]

Try using a mechanical pick up tool like the link below. Of course you would have to see it first but I have been able to get worms out of little holes in rock with these things.

http://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Claw-Pick-Automotive-Mechanic/dp/B000RB7AGY