Bristle worm trap ideas? Algae removal ideas?

[NotFishyFishGuy]

he guys, I have a bristle worm problem. my tank is 2 half months old a 13 gallon with two clowns, a damsel, and a coral banded shrimp. A fwhile back, I was moving the rocks and saw something I thought was a worm. I saw two things that looked like worms but I wasn't sure. I decied not to worry and left them there. a few days ago, I found another worm in the sand, took a pic, posted on r2r, and had it identified as a bristleworm. Most ppl said it would be fine, but then I found like almost 10 worms on one of my rock. I really don't want to remove them with tweezers since they could break into pieces and stay in the tank. I saw a few traps online but since they were quite expensive for a few pieces of plastic, I decided to see if anyone else had DIY ideas or cheaper options that actually work.

My second problem is my algae problem. I had always had a lot of algae but it recently got a lot worse. They is algae on the rocks, sand, and glass. I bought a 3 snails in hopes that they woul dhelp with the problem but the algae they eat keeps growing back. I bought an API Algae Remover that should arrive tomorrow but don't know if that will work either. Appreciate any help thks

 

[Evan28395950]

 

[NotFishyFishGuy]

Hey thanks for replying. However I’ve actually already watched that one but I won’t be able to drill holes. Any thoughts on the algae problem ?

 

[Evan28395950]

Hey thanks for replying. However I’ve actually already watched that one but I won’t be able to drill holes. Any thoughts on the algae problem ?

You can use a razor blade and cut X’s instead of drilling. What type of algae to are you dealing with, pictures help Let’s see if #reefsquad will help

 

[Lasse]

About the bristle worm problem. If you with coral banded shrimp means Stenopus hispidus I´m surprised. I normally use this shrimp when I got a bristle worm problem - they usually do not eradicate the worm population, but keep the population controlled.

If you can - post a picture of the algae problem.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[DSC reef]

Here's another take on this. You mentioned an algae problem too. It would seem like you have a larger population of bristle worms due to excess feeding perhaps causing more algae and a higher population of bristleworms. The bristleworms are in the tank due to the amount of food that is available for them to consume and reproduce, they are scavengers and you honestly want some as part of the ecosystem your building. They are doing what their supposed to do. If just remove them then the excess waste that they consume is left behind and can lead to other issues. Just my .2

 

[NotFishyFishGuy]

Here's another take on this. You mentioned an algae problem too. It would seem like you have a larger population of bristle worms due to excess feeding perhaps causing more algae and a higher population of bristleworms. The bristleworms are in the tank due to the amount of food that is available for them to consume and reproduce, they are scavengers and you honestly want some as part of the ecosystem your building. They are doing what their supposed to do. If just remove them then the excess waste that they consume is left behind and can lead to other issues. Just my .2

Thanks, I will adjust my feeding. I am currently working on a DIY trap and after I catch some I will reduce the feeding.

 

[NotFishyFishGuy]

@DSC reef
I finished the trap and put the trap in the tank. The trap was a travel size shampoo/lotion bottle that I emptied and cut holes in. I then stuck two straws into it. I also stuffed some foam filter media into it. It’s a bit hard to see in the picture because of the reflection and because I turned off the lights. The trap is on left in the pictures the sand.

 

[NotFishyFishGuy]

I’ve literally left the trap in since I said I put it in but there are no worms. Trap failed.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

I’ve literally left the trap in since I said I put it in but there are no worms. Trap failed.

Could have been the smell of lotion/shampoo that leeches to the plastic. I would try a plastic water bottle. Make sure to put some yummy fish food in there to entice them. Also put the straws close to the rocks so it's easy for them to find and crawl into.

 

[NotFishyFishGuy]

Could have been the smell of lotion/shampoo that leeches to the plastic. I would try a plastic water bottle. Make sure to put some yummy fish food in there to entice them. Also put the straws close to the rocks so it's easy for them to find and crawl into.

I put a bunch of pellets and some frozen shrimp