Bristle Worm Hotel

[kevindo123]

My second bristle worm hotel I have invaded. This time they even have bristle babies. Don't worry this is only a tiny population of bristle worms that is in my tank. I have thousands of them in my rock work and sand bed. I have an arrow crabs but it only eats about 1 or 2 a day which doesn't even make a dent in the population. Manual removal is required to control their population. They love turbo snails.

 

[Joshky]

Here I was thinking it was going to be a real hotel, got me all excited for nothing.

Nice worms you've got there. :p

 

[MikeyAl]

Sell em.

 

[tjnorthdakota]

what fish eat bristle worms, I know wrasses will but is there any others?

 

[Weeble10]

Dottbacks will eat bristle worms also.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

So, walk me through this manual removal procedure, please. I'd like to know how you do this.

 

[Omega0397]

Are they actually attacking snails?!?

 

[TD13]

Are they actually attacking snails?!?

They mug them in the back of the tank, when no one is looking. It's sad really. :oops:

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

They mug them in the back of the tank, when no one is looking. It's sad really. :oops:

is there a specific species they target?

 

[TD13]

is there a specific species they target?

Offenders of opportunity. Ruthless.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Offenders of opportunity. Ruthless.

That sucks :/

 

[nervousmonkey]

They mug them in the back of the tank, when no one is looking. It's sad really. :oops:

For some reason, the way you stated that made me crack up man! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time actually. Picturing a band of brittle worms waiting in the shadows of your tank, little bit thug looking, tattooed, just waiting for the innocent turbo to happen to stroll by... Thanks man, I appreciate your humor, quite funny! :p

 

[kevindo123]

Turbo snails don't like high magnesium for some reason. They start to get weak and the bristle worm will attack him when they are near the sandbed. The worms actually will go into the turbo snail and eat it from the inside out.

 

[kevindo123]

Last time I measured my magnesium was at 1500.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I can't say that I've had any issues with Mexican turbo snails and high magnesium, and I've had high magnesium several times in the last few months.

 

[dnyceli]

Just found this large bristle worm in my tank. Guess he is about 4 inches from what I can see if him, because I haven't seen his whole body come out yet. Is he bad to have in my 20G nano or should I take him out? Will he bother any fish or corals?

 

[Brian wea]

I never had a problem with bristle worms being a bother to my tank. the only problem with them is if u over feed then their population explodes.. I had a good number of them and they slowly vanished.. I don't think theres a single one left in my tank.. just don't touch them with your bare hands they will sting you.

 

[dnyceli]

Ok, thanks. Would you think he caused the death of my flame angel I had for about 6 months that was health, eating and vibrant? Maybe the worn stung him during the night?

 

[twilliard]

When they get out of hand and can't stand it any longer fenbendazole is a great cure

 

[Mandee]

@jnj97