Flatworm (?) ID

[DRoth335]

Noticed these red specks that don't look like flatworms to the naked eye but with the macro lens they do look like them to me. Any ID and bad/harmless assessment would be appreciated. TIA

 

[bios]

Red Planaria

 

[jenreefer]

looks like flatworms to me and not the good kind.

 

[luke33]

Like mentioned above, red planaria. Are they a big deal? Maybe, maybe not. Wrasse's generally take care of them and many times the population will die off with time. On the other hand they can become an issue and start smothering your corals. Flatworm exit will work but you have to be dilligent with removal once they are dead and running carbon/water change after using it. They will release toxins when they die which can hurt your inhabitants.

 

[DRoth335]

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I will be investing in some FWE and a wrasse or 2.

 

[tankstudy]

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I will be investing in some FWE and a wrasse or 2.

If you have a huge population of flat worms, I wouldn't recommend using FWE until you can reduce the population slightly. FWE kills the flatworms pretty quick and as soon as they start dying, they start releasing toxins. If your water doesn't flow thru your carbon fast enough, you'll lose a ton of stuff pretty quickly. Not to mention, FWE seems to be pretty harsh on some species of snails as well.

 

[DRoth335]

If you have a huge population of flat worms, I wouldn't recommend using FWE until you can reduce the population slightly. FWE kills the flatworms pretty quick and as soon as they start dying, they start releasing toxins. If your water doesn't flow thru your carbon fast enough, you'll lose a ton of stuff pretty quickly. Not to mention, FWE seems to be pretty harsh on some species of snails as well.

I thought I would try to syphon out as many as I can in advance.