Flatworm Exit and Chato or Macro algae

[pelicansreef]

I currently have a flatworm infestation of what I think are aecoal flatworms. Although I have a few problems with spots on an Elegance coral and a small section of a hammer coral I don't see any significant damage. However, I am concerned enough that I am thinking of using "Flatworm Exit" to eradicate the ones I have before the damage gets any worse.

I have read a few different opinions about Flatworm Exit but I haven't seen any really bad reviews. Some people say that the issues noted with its use may come from toxic compounds extruded when the flatworms die and that is the reason for use of carbon and large water changes after the initial die off. Has anyone had issues with this treatment? such as effects on Macro algae.

 

[jda]

The stuff is safe. The flatworm toxins are not. Heed the warnings. They can kill your fish and corals if you have a lot of flatworms. Vacuum out as many as you can, do it again and again. When you add the chemical, have plenty of water for a water change. Have lots and lots of GAC ready to go in reactors - borrow some if you need to. More flatworms means more toxins. Please take this seriously.

The flatworms get stringy and clump together as they start to die... vacuum these out too. Have some flow, but not too much.

I would treat a few more times a week, or so, apart. These next treatments are easy since you will get nearly all the flatworms the first time.

Flatworm Exit can really harm starfish populations, so stick to the directions and do not over treat. If you have larger starfish, then take them out. If you have lots of mini brittle stars, then they will usually bounce back, but they can get hit hard at first, so catch some to repopulate if you can.