Spikes on Rocks

[wyattray]

I have these spikes all over my rocks, I think at one time there may have been some filter feeders living in there but now they are just a nuisance. They are sharp and I think they are preventing some of my software corals from spreading. Does anyone know the exact name, also is there any natural way of removing these. Ive been trying to brush a few off during water changes but its kinda annoying.

 

[WV Reefer]

I have these spikes all over my rocks, I think at one time there may have been some filter feeders living in there but now they are just a nuisance. They are sharp and I think they are preventing some of my software corals from spreading. Does anyone know the exact name, also is there any natural way of removing these. Ive been trying to brush a few off during water changes but its kinda annoying.

Vermetid Snails.

 

[Michael Naegeli]

Ouch... hope their not Vermetid snails, that’s a bunch of high nasties... hate those things

 

[ahiggins]

Why do you hate them?
The only issue I’ve ever had with them is poking me as I’m changing rock scape. I actually had one slice into my finger once

 

[Michael Naegeli]

You’ll see bro.

 

[ahiggins]

Lol I’ve only been in the hobby for like 8 years and still have no idea what you’re talking about.

 

[Reef_A_Lot]

They can sting coral. Bone cutters usually get the job done but very inconvenient. Heard people say that bumblebee snails eat them but I’m not sure.

 

[ahiggins]

Huh, never experienced that before.

 

[Michael Naegeli]

They shoot out their webs usually during feeding time to catch food. They multiply like crazy, and wreak havoc around ur reef. Idk if that’s what you actually have there but if so that’s a lot and could be an absolute nightmare. Virtually impossible to rid them if established... they really abuse neighboring corals

 

[Michael Naegeli]

I’ve tore down tanks infested w them to try to rid, they are total nuisance

 

[Michael Naegeli]

Btw so sorry calling u “bro” haha. Ur a girl now that I look.. good luck

 

[ahiggins]

They shoot out their webs usually during feeding time to catch food. They multiply like crazy, and wreak havoc around ur reef. Idk if that’s what you actually have there but if so that’s a lot and could be an absolute nightmare. Virtually impossible to rid them if established... they really abuse neighboring corals

Wow I had no idea, maybe those aren’t what I have but I also tended to bread them off when I found them too. Who knows lol

 

[Coling]

They definitely look like vermetid snails to me. You can cut them off with bone cutters but may be hard to get all of them. Closing up their opening with cyanoacrylate works too.
I was just reading about feeding coral snow to get rid of them. Have never tried this but it seemed to work for several people. You should be able to find more about this on this forum (it's where I read it). I've also read that lowering your nutrients will help starve them. Good luck getting rid of them. They are a pain and can inhibit the growth of calcifying corals.

 

[Bryson.bobby]

Geez, that’s a lot of vermetid

 

[wyattray]

I am getting a new tank in a couple years and they are already over running. I might take a rock out and pressure wash it and put it back. Is this a bad call?