Flat Worm- please help

[d34532]

Hi all,

I'm in need of your guys advice as to how I can get rid of flatworm or to control them in my reef tank. They are not out of control as I think I have just recently introduce them to my tank from coral. Im interested in getting life stock frist that will eat the flat worms. The live stock needs to be reef safe(shrimp, sps, lps, featherduster, and other inverts). I don't really want to go and use Flat Worm Exit at less for right now because there isn't much and I think it would do more harm then good.

Is there any shrimp or crabs that are known eatter of the flatworms?

[romunov]

I know of no reliable biological control. Are you sure you have the "red planaria"?

A search will bring up plenty of posts.

[d34532]

Romunov,

I'm not sure if its "red planaria" if those are red bugs then no they are not. they are small and transparent they are on my glass and it would be hard to see it on the LR or coral. I do know they are flat worm but of what type i don't know and I can't even take a macro pic of them just too small for my digi to pick up but you can see them with the naked eye.

I'll do a search for the red thing.

[ReeferMac]

Ditto what Romunov said.
"Red bugs" are an SPS parasite, and likely not your problem if you're seeing them on the glass. By your description, it sounds like Flatworms. I've used the FWExit product a couple times, and it's effective. The instructions and stories of user's here will be useful. There is a type of nudibranch that will feed on planaria, but there really isn't an effective way to eliminate them, biologically. Even if there were, whatever it is, would likely starve as soon as it did it's job.
The most effective method of controlling FW's is to treat incoming livestock (ALL of it, no excpetions). FWExit works great, as you can just put a couple drops in the bag, while acclimating the new livestock. There are a couple of kinds of wrasses that will eat FW's, but only if no other foods are available. You will likely find which one's when you search out the FW threads. They won't ever be able to eliminate the FW's from your system, but can help keep them in check. Personally, I'd use the FWExit. Admittedly it's a bit scary the first time, but after using it successfully, you'll feel more comfortable. Just be sure to follow the instructions. I had no incidental deaths the first time I used it, and followed the instructions carefully.
This should be in the general forum.

- Mac

[JDT]

Lam,
I have personal knowledge that the Leopard Wrasse - Macropharyngodon meleagris does the trick as I put one in my 180 gallon tank that was packed full of flatworms and within 3 months all the flatworms were gone. During that time I had one very happy FAT Leopard that would not take any other food that I give my other fish. Once the flatworms were gone he started eating with my other fish and has stayed very happy and fat. I have also sold some of these fish to other people who had flatworm problems and they all had the same out come that I did. I think you will find the Leopard the way to go as they are a very colorful addition to any tank. Make sure when you pick one out that they are spending time swimming not hiding in the sand where you find them, they don't do really well in shipping so find one at a local shop.

I will agree with Mac, in the future treat any new addition to your tank with Flat Worm Exit but if you are like me, and I have also had customers tell me they had problems dosing FWE in their tanks, so the safe way is get the Leopard to take care of what you currently have and dose any new additions, if you miss one or two of them the Leopard will take care of them!
JDT