Bristle Worms---Should I be concerned--Please Advise??

[scardall]

Not actual pic. Just an example to what I believe I have in my reef. Now I have known that I have had brisstle worms for years. I remove them when I can by a turkey baster or by hand. Today I saw 2 rather large worms partially coming out from under a support rock. Guessing 3+ inches. (Bare Bottom Reef) Have LPS , SPS , Mushrooms and Zoa's.

Should I be concerned and if so What would be the easiest way of proceding??

 

[143MPCo]

I wouldn't be overly concerned, they are for the most part scavengers..
some say they're self limiting based on the amount of food they can find.

 

[scardall]

Cool. That is good as I have detius that I can't get to. Oh Yah not allergic to them though the 1.5" size + gets a bit prickly etc.

THANKS

 

[Pfisherman]

They are ugly little buggers, but nothing that will harm your reef. They are like maggots in the way that they only eat dead or rotting stuffs. Very important part of your cleaning crew.

 

[Baaron530]

They are ugly little buggers, but nothing that will harm your reef. They are like maggots in the way that they only eat dead or rotting stuffs. Very important part of your cleaning crew.

+1 they are not pretty but do good at cleaning especially in those tight spots where crap accumulates

 

[scardall]

close thread

 

[petro2342]

They arent bad like many are saying, but I personally think that if you see it, try to take it out. They do multiple and you don't want an infestation. Just remember the next time you put your hand in the tank.

 

[Shell]

You do not want large ones in your reef they will eat small fish and put holes in corals.

 

[scardall]

You do not want large ones in your reef they will eat small fish and put holes in corals.

How do you catch the big ones? I have seen 2 that are about 5-6"long and 3/8" wide @Shell

 

[Shell]

Bristle worm trap.

 

[scardall]

@Shell The BWT sold is too small. I'll have to come up with something on similar lines.

 

[human]

If you want to make a trap, I use a flat tupperware container for a sandwich, melt a small hole in the lid using a cigarette or I guess you could just cut a hole in the top. Put a piece of shrimp in it and bury it in the sand over night. You'll catch all sorts of things. I only trap them when I want some in a new tank, bc they are one of the best detritus eaters IMO. Sorry just read your tank is BB, maybe weight the container down with a rock.

 

[Shell]

You can make one out of pvc, take a piece of pvc drill holes in it and put pvc end caps on the ends on after you place some krill or the fish food that you use.