What is this?

whyzee429 · Jan 18, 2012

I just noticed it on my rocks, but this area on the sand caught my attention. I've never seen this...is something wrong?

subielover · Jan 18, 2012

Flatworms

whyzee429 · Jan 18, 2012

They move ***** slow? I cant even notice them moving. What causes them and what can I do?

subielover · Jan 18, 2012

Now that you have them, the populations will increase and decrease depending on the available nutrients. Some wrasses and other fish will eat them, you can also use Salifert's Flatworm Exit. Do a search on flatworms, specifically red planaria.

Larsen · Jan 18, 2012

Get a lime wrasse. He will destroy them.

whyzee429 · Jan 18, 2012

I guess they've been dormant....as I haven't added anything in quite some time. You were right....they are definitely flatworms.

This is kind of a downer...the tank has been really nice lately. :/

soccerbag · Jan 18, 2012

It is a manageable problem. It could be a lot worse as far as pests go. Flatworm Exit works if used properly. And as stated above, there are many wrasses that will help control the population (and possibly eradicate the issue all together).

Cubbies · Jan 18, 2012

+1 to the previous posts. Flatworms aren't bad in reality. They become bad when they have reproduced to the point that they are on your coral. This is a problem because it won't let the coral get the light it needs therefore receding. Get a wrasse or do the flatworm exit. I am currently dealing with them as well. I used the FW Exit already and it worked I just have to do it again and that might be the case for you as well.

whyzee429 · Jan 18, 2012

Maybe they aren't a problem in one sense, BUT dosing something to kill them cant be good for your tank over and over again.

On a side note, I called my lfs...they only carry Blue Vet's flatworm control...so I'm going to have to give this a shot.

whyzee429 · Jan 19, 2012

Quick update:

The flatworm control appears to have worked. It has been maybe 16 hours since I dosed 4 drops per 10(ten) gallons. I'm not sure if I should follow up with a second dosing or just wait to see what happens.

subielover · Jan 19, 2012

Hopefully you are siphoning them out after treatment, otherwise there can be a buildup of toxins. I would wait another 2-3 days and dose again.

whyzee429 · Jan 20, 2012

I siphoned what I could. I haven't seen any more, but I'll make up some fresh saltwater and possibly do a follow up dose tomorrow.

subielover · Jan 20, 2012

Nice!

aznnutty · Jan 21, 2012

I like the natural route with a wrasse. I had the same problem many years back and dropped an $18 sixline wrasse and never saw the worms again

whyzee429 · Jan 31, 2012

Update:
They did return about 5 days later. (I never did the follow up dose).

I dosed on back to back days this time now I'm just waiting. No I'll effects on the tank except my yellow tang seems to breathe more rapidly immediately following the dosage.

How is the behavior of the sixline? I've heard conflicting views.

thewackyreefer · Jan 31, 2012

I would treat multiple times, a few days apart. Are you running carbon and doing a water change shortly after you dose?

Netta Fish · Jan 31, 2012

I have used prazi pro in reed tanks and it works great u can watch them shrivel and die.. But you must have zero phosphates in the water when using any method. Just before the flat worm dies it secrets a fluid which is highly toxic when present with phosphates

whyzee429 · Feb 1, 2012

I'm doing ware changes, but not dosing carbon. This tank is only set up with slimmer, heater, and powerheads. How would I dose carbon?....put it in a mesh bag and sit it on a frag rack and tank?