Bristleworm

[gcfd191]

If I have a bristleworm hiding in a rock, is it ok to do a freshwater dip to kill him?

 

[Killerdrgn]

How big is it? If it's small leave it alone, it'll eat the detrius out of your tank. If it's large you could dip it if the rock has nothing else on it. Or you could make a trap out of nylon stockings or a soda bottle.

 

[gcfd191]

Its about 5" long

 

[Killerdrgn]

ehhh it's still got some growin to be had. when it reaches a foot then you've got problems.

 

[KathyC]

Why kill him at all?...for all you know, there are 12 others inside of your rocks. They aren't bad guys, just avoid touching him

 

[NYreefNoob]

REACH IN AND JUST GRAB IT, IT WILL ONLY HURT FOR A FEW MINUTES :shhh:, THEY ARENT BAD SO LEAVE THEM ALONE

 

[Earlie]

why do so many people make such a big deal out of these worms?

 

[NYreefNoob]

They Do If They Dont Know, And Those Arent The Worms You Need To Worry About

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Bristle worms are fine just don't touch them or the bristles can sting you. They are good at cleaning up unwanted things and detrius. Leave them be they will help your tank.

 

[basiab]

Well, if you have a small tank I would think a 6 incher is a bit too much. Could really be bad news if it died. Just remember that a fresh water dip will also kill most of what is on the rock like bacteria, pods etc.

But the size of the worm indicates a not so clean housekeeper. He has to be very well fed to be that size. So you might want to review what you feed that tank and make some adjustments. But if you keep the worm you can go on the way it is now since he will clean up after you.

 

[KathyC]

But the size of the worm indicates a not so clean housekeeper. He has to be very well fed to be that size. So you might want to review what you feed that tank and make some adjustments. But if you keep the worm you can go on the way it is now since he will clean up after you.

The worm could have been in his rock when he got it..I believe Gcfd is new to reefing...
There are also approximately 8000 varieties of marine worms. I have a few different sizes of bristleworms and many get no larger that 1 inch and are quite thin.
Since they eat detritus, which isn't only from overfeeding your tank, I don't know that it's fair to say that it's size has anything to do with the reefer not being a clean housekeeper..ya know?