Are brislte worms good or bad?

[kim11]

I have had bristle worms for a long time. They havent been a problem. I just noticed one today that is gigantic! Probably 7 or 8 inches long. I had 5 snails and a coral die recently. Of coarse I know there could be many reasons for there deaths but will Bristle worms kill, or are they peacefull?

 

[peef]

For the most part they will not eat any live animals or "healthy" live animals. They will eat dead or near dead critters though. If they get big enough and are completely starved they can start to munch on some corals so I would be a little careful if they are getting big. If I see a huge one in my tank I remove it as there are many more smaller ones to take its place. If you see one or two you probably have 20-30 more you can't see.

 

[kim11]

For the most part they will not eat any live animals or "healthy" live animals. They will eat dead or near dead critters though. If they get big enough and are completely starved they can start to munch on some corals so I would be a little careful if they are getting big. If I see a huge one in my tank I remove it as there are many more smaller ones to take its place. If you see one or two you probably have 20-30 more you can't see.[/QUOT
How do you remove them? Is there anything I can do to get rid of them?

 

[grabbitt]

Netting them out when you see them always works.. As far as traps go, I'm not sure what works, if any.

 

[florida joe]

six line wrasse

 

[cgj]

Capturing them with a net or tweezers usually works.

 

[pastor b.]

Dear hobbyist, Bristle worms are very beneficial to your aquarium because they not only eat dead fish ,but they also eat any uneaten food , fish waste ,and detritus . But if you really want to remove them , there's a plastic device called " Trap em " . for only $10 at your lfs . It really works ! You'll catch large & small bristle worms with it . But don't touch them with your fingers . Use gloves ..

 

[stdreb27]

Originally Posted by florida joe
six line wrasse
Or manderin

 

[acrylic51]

As long as they are kept in check and size, I agree they are beneficial.

 

[tmy880]

Originally Posted by florida joe
six line wrasse

 

[paintballer768]

I got my bristleworm out by using this method and it might catch more than just that one worm, but its kind of involved. Start always feeding your fish at one corner of the tank or out in the open away from any rocks. Then put a bivalve shell of some kind thats got an opening on it for the bristle to go in it. After a few days of feeding in that same spot, the worm shouldve taken up house there, and then you can just pick up the shell and tada magic.