Worm problem in new tank.

Peanutsnanotank21

New Member
Hello guys!
I am starting my first nano reef. Just finished my starting cycle and am gonna get the water ready for some coral before I finally add some fish in.
Earlier this week I noticed 2 worms, then the next day 5 so I took 3 out and flushed them. There where 4 the next day and I flushed another 3, looked in my tank this morning and there where 10.
From what I've gathered I believe they are bristle worms but I am very alarmed they seem to be multiplying at a fast rate for my little 10 gal. All I have is live rock and live sand nothing else that requires feeding so why are these little buggers multiplying so much and what can I do to slow it down?
I don't mind a few but I do not want my tank over run by worms by the time I get fish in there expertly because I want a scooter blenny or Randall's goby( not sure which yet will also take suggestions on that).
I wanna start with a nano and in a year when we move i am gonna get 60 -100 gal and upgrade.
I attached a photo with some of the worms showing.
Thanks!
 

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silverado61

Well-Known Member
First, how long did you cycle Your tank? Are you sure it's finished cycling?
Second, corals need an established tank as they are sensitive to your waters parameters.
Third, are you sure you got all of each bristle worm? If you didn't, the piece left behind will just grow into a new one.
Fourth, is that a coral that the bristle worms are crawling through? If it's fake, get it out. It's just a detritus trap and could cause your tank to crash.
 

Peanutsnanotank21

New Member
First, how long did you cycle Your tank? Are you sure it's finished cycling?
Second, corals need an established tank as they are sensitive to your waters parameters.
Third, are you sure you got all of each bristle worm? If you didn't, the piece left behind will just grow into a new one.
Fourth, is that a coral that the bristle worms are crawling through? If it's fake, get it out. It's just a detritus trap and could cause your tank to crash.
Its been cycling for 4 weeks, from my test it says the water is all good. Its probably gonna a few more weeks before I put anything in there. I test pretty regular to make sure everything is staying good.
I thought I had gotten it all but it is possible part of it dropped off and I just didn't see. It would totally make since they seemed to multiply fast when there is nothing to eat.
It is a fake, is that just when I get critters in there or should I take it out now? Its been there the full 4 weeks I have had my tank up and running just fine.
 

lmforbis

Well-Known Member
First off, I’d remove it now. Currently it is colonized with bacteria and you will disrupt the bio filtration when you remove it especially because the tank is small.

Secondly. You need to feed the tank even though there are no fish. Just a tiny bit of food to feed the bacteria.

Thirdly, bristle worms aren’t bad. They are a part of the clean up crew. Their population will be controlled by the amount of detritus in the tank.
 

Peanutsnanotank21

New Member
First off, I’d remove it now. Currently it is colonized with bacteria and you will disrupt the bio filtration when you remove it especially because the tank is small.

Secondly. You need to feed the tank even though there are no fish. Just a tiny bit of food to feed the bacteria.

Thirdly, bristle worms aren’t bad. They are a part of the clean up crew. Their population will be controlled by the amount of detritus in the tank.
Okay I removed it and I will be picking up some fish food today so I can do that!
Thank you!
 
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