Brown Flatworm Invasion

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by purfict, Jan 10, 2013.

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  1. purfict

    purfict Plankton

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2012
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    toronto
    I have recently spotted two full size brown flatworms and a few tiny sized ones. I am to believe that there is a higher population than I can see and would like to take care of the problem sooner than later.

    Aquarium:
    30 gallons; 4 months old

    Bioload:
    1 x 2 inch gold stripe maroon clown
    1 x 1 inch blue/yellow tail damsel
    1 x 1 inch domino damsel
    1 x 1 inch blue/green fluorescent damsel

    I Understand i have a high bioload; but I do a 10% min. change a week and keep he aquarium regularly maintained. I am wondering if introducing a reall small wrasse of some sort would help combat the flatworms. I prefer not adding any chemicals or additives to kill the species.

    Any suggestions would be great!
     
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  3. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2009
    Messages:
    7,072
    Location:
    Billings Montana
    It could.... a sixline might be able to help, IF it chooses to eat the FW and IF it can hold its own against the aggressive tankmates.
     
  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    I would cut back on the feedings and take a turkey baster and blow the flat worms off in front of the damsels and see it they will eat them.

    Damsel will eat flatworms if the are hungry enough, and then they will pick them off routinely.
     
  5. Coasterofluv

    Coasterofluv Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2013
    Messages:
    162
    Location:
    SW Florida
    +1 ...there ya go. If you want to encourage the damsels to eat them, skip a day of feeding. Do you really think 4 small fish is an overload in a 30g? I don't think so. I have a 30 as well and plan on hosting that many small fish or more.
    Damsels are dirty though....
     
  6. purfict

    purfict Plankton

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2012
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    toronto
    I was told I should only have 2 fish in the aquarium. My two damsels are pretty aggressive though; im thinking I might remove them and add two blue chromis. The other fish is a chromi, not a damsel.

    Im going to stop feeding and see if the flat worm population decreases.
    I barely see any flatworms; im just taking precautions before they over populate.