Flatworm Exit???? Help.

Conrad Noto · Jun 18, 2020

I have flatworms in my smaller 48gal tank. I use this tank for incoming frags, fish and to grow macros. This is no my QT, I don't medicate in this tank. About a week ago saw few flatworms on glass, this morning there were 100's. They are the little brown rust colored ones. If I use Flatworm Exit ( says reef safe) will it kill my cowries/ snails?/

tsouth · Jun 18, 2020

From my experience, I did not have any deaths to trochus snails.

From my research, it is noted that the death of snails and inverts, and typically most livestock related ones are due to the amount of toxins released by the flatworms as they are dying off, rather than Flatworm Exit itself.

As a precaution, it is recommended to siphon out as many flatworms as possible before using the product, alongside having a generous amount of backup water on hand, plus a reactor to actively run carbon.

The other side of the road here is to also let the flatworms run their course. I have used FWE three times, and even did a tank transfer for an upgrade, in which I dipped all rocks in a FW Exit bath, and they still prevailed. I just let them run their course and I see maybe 10 here and there on the glass now since then (1-2 months ago?). They aren't harming any corals, just gonna leave em and warn my friends to dip any frags I give to them

vetteguy53081 · Jun 18, 2020

Siphoning important all the way. Even at treatment, dead ones can release toxins. Siphon-siphon-siphon !!

Conrad Noto · Jun 18, 2020

tsouth said:
From my experience, I did not have any deaths to trochus snails.

From my research, it is noted that the death of snails and inverts, and typically most livestock related ones are due to the amount of toxins released by the flatworms as they are dying off, rather than Flatworm Exit itself.

As a precaution, it is recommended to siphon out as many flatworms as possible before using the product, alongside having a generous amount of backup water on hand, plus a reactor to actively run carbon.

The other side of the road here is to also let the flatworms run their course. I have used FWE three times, and even did a tank transfer for an upgrade, in which I dipped all rocks in a FW Exit bath, and they still prevailed. I just let them run their course and I see maybe 10 here and there on the glass now since then (1-2 months ago?). They aren't harming any corals, just gonna leave em and warn my friends to dip any frags I give to them

I had a few last year, added a six line wrasse and didn't see any more. Seems like big outbreak suddenly, my glass was covered. Scraped them off, siphoned and changed 40% of water. Do think I'll have to use something. i was told prazipro works too, but don't know if true.