Bristle Worms

Hi,

My tank suddenly seems to be over run with Bristle Worms. About three months ago, I added some new live rock (a few small pieces - no more than 1.5 pounds) to my 15g tank. I have just one clown fish and a long tentacle anemone in the tank. My hermit crab recently passed away.

Two weeks ago, I saw two large bristle worms coming out of the rocks. One looked more 5 inches extended and like a millipede. It looked like he was trying to reach my anemone.

Last weekend, I removed the live rock thinking that would resolve my bristle worm problem, but now I am seeing smaller ones (from 1/2 inch to about 1.5 inches long) in my crushed coral base. I've counted about 6 of them.

Will the bristle worms keep multiplying and are they harmful to my anemone?

My anemone actually looks ill - he hasn't fully extended in a week. My tank vitals all seem good. 8.3pH, 1.024 and nitrates come clear on my test strip. Is there anything I can do for him? I feed him 1-2 times per week and he always takes the food.

Also, would it be a bad idea to get rid of my crush coral base (to rid of the remaining bristle worms) and replace with a sand base? What is the best way to do that? Should I save my water in a container while I switch out the crushed coral with sand and then re-add my water or just add new water to the tank?

Thanks very much.

 

They are not harmful, they are detrivores, and only eat dead material. They look scary, thats it. Good critters, Reef safe.

 

6 line wrasse or chalk bass