How to remove fireworks from large tank?

[Miami Reef]

The fireworms came from the KP rocks I added. I really need them all out, but my tank is large and my aquascape is bonded.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Lol the typo. Try a wrasse and a hitchhiker trap/manual removal at night. There’s no easy solution to remove all of them 100%! Oh one other thing don’t touch them with bare hands they will sting. You can buy or make a trap here’s more info: https://reeftankresource.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bristle-worms/

 

[TheReefDiary]

The fireworms came from the KP rocks I added. I really need them all out, but my tank is large and my aquascape is bonded.

at least you have fireworms. I have a Medusa worm infestation. pulled like 12 last night. couldn't get the big guy. only benefit is I'm transferring tanks and not going to use any old rock now. I don't want toxic creatures in the tank that could kill my fish.

 

[Rmckoy]

I’d set up a trap and look into what natural predators will eat them for ones that are not removed with the trap .

I believe most wrasses will eat them

 

[Rmckoy]

The Bristle Worm: Your ultimate guide to this common pest

Get answers to 13 of the most common questions about the bristle worm, including what they eat, how to trap them and what will eat them

www.saltwateraquariumblog.com

 

[bobnicaragua]

I have fireworms , but have never been stung. Maybe my hands are calloused enough that they don’t bother me? I move rock around fairly often.

Biodiversity is a good thing, they’re part of the clean up crew.

 

[mdb_talon]

I think the chances of getting them all out are slim to none. Some predators like arrow crab can definitely help keep their population under control.

 

[Nano sapiens]

The fireworms came from the KP rocks I added. I really need them all out, but my tank is large and my aquascape is bonded.

It is relatively rare to have an infestation of the true 'Bearded Fireworm' (Hermodice carunculata) and they would eat up all your coral pretty quickly. Is that what's happening?

Some large bristle worms can resemble the BF, but are harmless scavengers/detritivores. As long as they don't grow to plague proportions (which indicates too much left over food added to the system) and then start to steal food from the corals, I consider them as worthwhile members of my CUC.

 

[Miami Reef]

It is relatively rare to have an infestation of the true 'Bearded Fireworm' (Hermodice carunculata) and they would eat up all your coral pretty quickly. Is that what's happening?

Some large bristle worms can resemble the BF, but are harmless scavengers/detritivores. As long as they don't grow to plague proportions (which indicates too much left over food added to the system) and then start to steal food from the corals, I consider them as worthwhile members of my CUC.

It’s not an infestation, but I can’t afford there to be.

This was 2 months ago. I randomly woke up at 3am, it seems like fate needed me to see this:

It ate that frogspawn and I witnessed it. Luckily, I removed the entire coral with the worm on the spot.

Yesterday afternoon, I saw a small one scurry into the crevice of the rock. I want them gone! I already have a melanurus wrasse.

 

[FSP]

I remember a post by Dr. Jim a while back talking about sps eating fireworms and KP rock. He used ivermectin in a separate tank. No clue how that works for a tank already running but might be worth dropping him a note.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

The fireworms came from the KP rocks I added. I really need them all out, but my tank is large and my aquascape is bonded.

You talkin snakes and sparklers?

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Have you tried a bristle worm trap or something similar?

 

[Miami Reef]

Have you tried a bristle worm trap or something similar?

Yes. I only caught one mantis shrimp, but I still have more. It didn’t seem effective for the fireworms.

I am going to buy an arrow crab now. I also intend to be more consistent with the traps in hopes of catching the other mantis.

 

[Miami Reef]

Update.

I was planning on getting arrowhead crabs, but I decided not to. There are no known predators for fireworm crabs.

I decided I will be much more strategic with my trap placement, since I was a bit “lazy” the last time I attempted the traps.

I can limit feeding to make all the worms and Mantis desperate for food! I have faith I can do this!

 

[Nano sapiens]

It’s not an infestation, but I can’t afford there to be.

This was 2 months ago. I randomly woke up at 3am, it seems like fate needed me to see this:

It ate that frogspawn and I witnessed it. Luckily, I removed the entire coral with the worm on the spot.

Yesterday afternoon, I saw a small one scurry into the crevice of the rock. I want them gone! I already have a melanurus wrasse.

Oh boy, that's the 'real deal' Fireworm, unfortunately

 

[DarkReefer]

It’s not an infestation, but I can’t afford there to be.

This was 2 months ago. I randomly woke up at 3am, it seems like fate needed me to see this:

It ate that frogspawn and I witnessed it. Luckily, I removed the entire coral with the worm on the spot.

Yesterday afternoon, I saw a small one scurry into the crevice of the rock. I want them gone! I already have a melanurus wrasse.