Vermitid snail -- biblical infestation in weir

[craiguk]

So I thought bumblebee snails were managing vermitid population in the display tank ok. But, just checked the weir and they are on all walls, outside of pipes etc. Literally carpeted. Inside pipes seem OK (for now?). I guess I could replace the weir (red sea penninsula 500), but replacing pipes would be tricky. And they'd just come back, right?

I'm removing what I can, but i can only go down about a inch given the tightness of space. And it's vermitid's all the way down. Asking here as I'd love to believe someone has a miracle solution I haven't come across yet....

 

[EnterName]

You might be able to get into the overflow box using bottle and drain brushes but these will only manage to break off the top part of the snail's tube. An algae scraper might work better here. If you can't find a scraper on a stick that works or you worry about breaking the thin wall of the overflow box, a small magnetic one that you can attach to the overflow box should work. You will need to reach into the tank to move it but it should reach spots that you can't get to otherwise. Remember to take it out after use as it might be possible that the magnet which usually sits on the outside of the tank isn't sealed properly and will start rusting.

Some (unfortunately not all) Vermetid snails have free floating larval stages so a UV sterilizer might be able to get them. If you already have a UV sterilizer make sure to replace the light source from time to time and ensure there is slow but sufficient water pushed through it by the attached pump.

Last but not least: These guys are filter feeders. So reducing the amount of detritus in your tank will naturally reduce their ability to spread further. Use filter whool and replace it often, feed less and targeted. If you really have a lot of Vermetid snails there probably is more than enough detritus flying around, so you actually don't need to use coral food at all and can limit your feeding to your fish.

 

[slingfox]

Angels Plus used to sell. Fish flake food with fenbendazole. The fenbendazole was an effective way to wipe out vermitid. If you do a search on this board you will find how people use fenben in the reef hobby. There are other ways to get the medication.

 

[1112-425XL]

I feel your pain! Thought they were controlled, but realized they are impossible to control. Decided to quit worrying about them.

 

[mcarroll]

These guys are filter feeders.

Decided to quit worrying about them.

...those.

Broadcast feeding is the worst for promoting them.