[kbk7478]

i set up a small tank (20 gallons) with sand, live rock and 3 damsels approx. 3 months ago. all fish and a urchin are doing fine. i introduced the live rock about a month ago and tonight i discovered 2 small worms. one was about 1/2 inch long and the other approx. 1 inch long. both are flesh colored and am sure they came in with the live rock. several questions, are they harmful to the fish,urchin, or live rock? do they need to be removed from the aquarium? are there chemicals/drugs that control a worm infestation? what are they???

[jvharding]

I recommend taking the worms out. Use a turkey baster to siphon them out. Some think the worms are ok.

[rlcline76]

I am one of those who leave them in the tank and find a nice piece of livestock to control their population.

[glampka]

Really no need to remove them unless they start munching on corals, They can be beneficial by stirring up your substrate. If you plan on removing them, don't tear them in pieces since you'll now have more & if they're bristle worms watch you fingers.

[Iceturf]

be careful and find a sea worm matching chart

[holiday]

If they look like these, then you have bristleworms. They are not bad until they get big. I have one huge one that I still can't catch. He is at least 8 inches long, I haven't seen the whole thing out totally yet.

[El Latino]

Originally Posted by holiday

If they look like these, then you have bristleworms. They are not bad until they get big. I have one huge one that I still can't catch. He is at least 8 inches long, I haven't seen the whole thing out totally yet.

What happens when they get big? Reason I ask is I also have one about 8 inches long. It only comes out when the lights go out and find it impossible to catch.

[holiday]

I have heard that when they get that big they will catch and eat your fish. I have lost only one fish but the lfs store said my starfish probably ate it. Who knows with out surveliance video. I have made my own trap with pvc and pantyhose and it will go in but where my rock is I cannot put a long enough piece of pvc for it to totally fit in so my plan B is to try flexible clear tubing and see if it will go in for the bait. Their bristles are supposed to get caught in the pantyhose and then you got them. I have taken the live rock out of the tank and let it sit for an hour while spritzing it with tank water and it came out and I tried to grab it with tweezers and I broke off the first 2 inches of it but it won't die it will just regenerate. Good luck catching yours. If you find something that works, please post it up.