Flatworms?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by kcbrad, Mar 8, 2010.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    9,550
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Are flatworms bad? I was looking at my zoas tonight and noticed this tiny, flat, pink thing gliding on my zoas. I have no idea what it is, but I'm thinking a flatworm.

    Thanks!!
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    They are bad when they reach 'plague' proportions.

    I had them before - they seemed to like low current and would hang out in dead-spots.
    I bought a six-line wrasse on people's suggestions and he didn't do anything.

    I bought a Tunze powerhead and turned the tank into a tidal zone.

    The flatworms went away after that.

    FWIW.

    There are chemical solutions - like Flatworm X - I think it is called - probably make your skimmer go crazy for a while. I have never used it.

    Make sure you ID it correctly before you do anything. Post a pic!
     
  4. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    9,550
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    I can't get a picture!! It's tiny! Like 3mm or something. It's a light pink.
     
  5. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    1 person likes this.
  6. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    9,550
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Yes, that's it! Good find. I was Googling and couldn't find one that looks like mine.

    So far I've only seen this one.
     
  7. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Cool, just one eh? How is your flow in your tank?
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Messages:
    4,427
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    I'll add that it would be best to use a turkey baster or something similar to suck them up and get them out as you see them. If they get to the point that you need to use flatworm exit you'll need to siphon out as many as you can before you use it because they release a toxin when they die that could kill off your livestock and corals. Even if you get the majority of them I believe you'll still need to run carbon and do a couple big w/c. Hope this helps you further.:)
     
    1 person likes this.
  10. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Thanks monkey I totally forget about that bit of fun with Exit. I never went through it, but I read about it from others a lot.
     
  11. NUGIO

    NUGIO Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2003
    Messages:
    734
    Location:
    MO VAL, CA
    i had them on a frogspawn in good flow..they didnt go away. i used the blue life flatworm control. i treated the coral outside of the DT for 5-10 mins. then "rinsed" it in fresh saltwater.you can also use iodine.
     
    1 person likes this.
  12. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Messages:
    4,427
    Location:
    SE South Dakota
    Ditto! I was successful (luckily I imagine) to control a small outbreak awhile back by just siphoning them off the glass and coral they came in on every time I saw them. Thankfully never got to the flatworm exit stage but I was prepared. :)
     
    1 person likes this.