Flatworms and how to get rid of them?

djconn

djconn

New Member
Okay, for some time now (about 4 months) my 20 gal tank has had flatworms or planarians on the corals. I've researched quite a bit and it seems that these suckers are really only descructive to your corals when they almost completely cover them or don't allow them to receive light. I've kinda just ignored them and just considered them part of my tank's biodiversity but I think they've gotten out of hand.

Two solutions I've heard about:
  • getting a velvet damsel in hopes he eats them
    Using flatworm exit

The velvelt damsel is a problem b/c I will never be able to get him out of the tank and I'm certain of that. The flatworm exit scares me b/c you have to do immediate water changes in hopes that the flatworm's excretions won't kill my corals. So, anyone have any preference to these options or suggestions? Taking the coral out one by one and doing a FW dip also isnt possible due to my rockwork, etc.
 
M

MikeShook

New Member
Flatworms

My vote is leave them alone and see if they actually do any harm. Chances are they will be harmless, and I think a FW bath my do more harm than good. The only problem with a velvet damsel, is when all of the flatworms are gone....you still have the damsel in a small tank with limited space for fish.
 
djconn

djconn

New Member
I've left them alone for almost half a year and their population is gradually increasing. I'd say they infest about 70% of all my corals and cover at least 20-30% of my hammer.

I've heard that maybe a 6 line wrasse might also be a good flatworm eater? Anyone agree/disagree? Would that be a cool fish for a 20 gal? I have no fish currently.
 
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Physh1

New Member
I've always gone with the 6-line. In my first reef I got flatworms and tried a sixline. Worked really well and from that point I've always kept one in my reefs. It helps that it's a reallt beautiful fish as well. Never tried any other way....never needed to.

I've heard of the velvet damsel deal but I've never heard of anyone successful with them.

Cameron
 
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Hillbilly

New Member
The six line may also eat most of your pods, but I say it's worth it to get rid of the flatworms. Flatworms creep me out! LOL ! I like dartfish and any of the gobies in general for a nano because they are colorful and have a low bio-load.
 
djconn

djconn

New Member
Man, I've been looking for a damn 6-line for 3 weeks now. Nobody has them. It's almost like the LFS saw my post and intentionally sold all of them b/c they usually have tons. Frustrating...:twisted:
 
djconn

djconn

New Member
Finally picked up a nice 6-line wrasse today at my LFS. He's very interesting to watch. Goes in and out of the rockwork and is constantly hunting. Very pretty as well. We'll see if he's hungry for flatworms...I sure hope so! I will let everyone know if he helps out.
 
Flame Angel

Flame Angel

New Member
djconn said:
Man, I've been looking for a damn 6-line for 3 weeks now. Nobody has them. It's almost like the LFS saw my post and intentionally sold all of them b/c they usually have tons. Frustrating...:twisted:
Click to expand...
I agree, it seems to be getting harder and harder to get 6L wrasses in the past few weeks...I haven't been able to get any into my store for quite a while now, no matter how many I order.

-Flame
 
djconn

djconn

New Member
Well the 6-line has been really fun to watch so far. He just darts in and out of the caves and rockwork all day. Still haven't seen him eat a flatworm though :(
 
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