bristleworms?

[fuzzy]

Hi everybody, I just started a 29 gallon tank with a deep sand bed. From my reading on the subject it seemed that bristleworms are a good addition to deep sand beds as detrivores and to help stir the sand. Well I was just at my local fish store and the gentlemen there told me that they never have and never will have bristleworms and they are extremely detrimental to an aquarium. Is there any truth in what he says. Can people give me their opinion/experience? Thanks

 

[Pineapple House]

One word of advice, never listen to your LFS.

Bristle worms do not attack animals in the reef tank, and are beneficial dentrivores to the aquarium. The only time they cause harm is when a fish attempts to eat them, which they can give off a sting which causes inflammation, just as a method of self-defense. They will NOT cuase any harm to corals and invertebrates. They are harmless scavengers which are an indicator of aquarium health. They are exelent for your tank. Usually the LFS's will give you incorrect advice....just ignore it and walk away, or argue with 'em until they agree with ya :wink:

PH =)

***Hey, I now have 10 whole posts!***

 

[Reefscap]

fuzzy , Your worms are welcome in your reef. Tell the guy at the LFS to give you all the bristleworms he can get. You could even sell them online. :lol:

 

[StirCrazy]

I encourage the growth of Bristleworms in my tank.. it was running for 4 months befor I evern say one but now I see this during the day.

http://www.islandaquatics.ca/pictures/critters/01worms.jpg

kinda gives ya a warm fussy fealing knowing that if something dies behind the rocks this pack will take care of it :wink:

Steve

 

[esmithiii]

gentlemen there told me that they never have and never will have bristleworms and they are extremely detrimental to an aquarium. Is there any truth in what he says.

Very little truth. There have been stories of them eating coral but I can't remember seeing a story posted by the observer (it was always a friend of a friend). Personally I have tons of them, and it is near impossible to get rid of them if you have liverock.

IMO they are entirely beneficial, and help to process any excess food in the tank.

Ernie

 

[picassomike]

Bristleworms are completely beneficial,great scavengers.If a bristleworm is eating coral,snails it was long dead before the bristleworm got to it.There is a rare Fireworm(type of bristleworm)that eats gorgonians,but chances of someone getting one are rare.LFS's can't get bristleworms,there are only 2 places that sell them here they are www.inlandaquatics.com and www.ipsf.com they also sell lots of other good critters for your DSB.

 

[danmhippo]

They do not prey on corals and live animals. Most see them munching on animals freshly died and attribute it to the bristle worm "killed" the animal.

However, just be very careful when picking up your LR in the future. Wear a glove. They don't call it "bristle worm" for nothing.

 

[AgentSPS]

Bristleworms have been a controversial subject for some time now. If you read The Reef Aquarium Vol1, Sprung/Delbeek have a rather large chapter dedicated to these worms. They talk about different species doing different things. I have yet to come across a definitive study addressing the issue. I personally have never had any problems with bristleworms and coral/clams but am still leary of them. I would certainly NOT intentionally introduce them to my tank. Most people acquire them from the introduction of live rock.

 

[fuzzy]

Thanks for the input. This is much more helpful than talking to the guy at the LFS.