what do fan worms eat

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by jdigrego, Sep 28, 2010.

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  1. jdigrego

    jdigrego Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I have a 30 g Live rock w/ coral and my tank has been est. for 5 months. I want to get two fan worm. what do they eat? I know they are filter feeders. I have those pineapple sponges in my tank and i assume they filter so does that mean the fan worms will do the same?
     
    jdigrego, Sep 28, 2010
    jdigrego, Sep 28, 2010
    #1

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  2. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    Yes - they do exactly as you stated

    the feathers/ crowns are fishing nets, they capture small particles in them, bring them in and the consume what they caught

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Sep 28, 2010
    steve wright, Sep 28, 2010
    #2
  3. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Part of the problem with feeding them is their feathers/arms have slots in them that narrow as they get closer to the tube. Kind of like a coin machine that will reject certain coins. Feather dusters get rid of all the larger particles in exchange for the smallest of small particulates. This is partly why they often starve in systems. They need really small food. They also collect food from the underside of their crown so don't target feed by squirting food into the tube. Sandbeds offer good food for feather dusters.
     
    missionsix, Sep 28, 2010
    missionsix, Sep 28, 2010
    #3
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  4. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    for mine i just crushed up flake food or raw shrimp with a bit of water from the tank until it was almost a complete liquid and basted it so the current would bring it right to the crown
     
    Va Reef, Oct 2, 2010
    Va Reef, Oct 2, 2010
    #4
  5. SushiGirl

    SushiGirl Barracuda

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    The first fanworm I ever had was solid dark maroon -- never seen one like it since. It was really cool to watch because when something would land on it, it would move it along it's "feathers" toward its mouth. Must have spent hours watching that thing LOL.
     
    SushiGirl, Oct 2, 2010
    SushiGirl, Oct 2, 2010
    #5