Bristle worms to keep or not to keep?

[Nickt]

So I keep on pulling bristle worms out of my refugium. Not sure if I should keep them or get rid of them. I also have a log one in my dt I can't reach him to get it out. I have heard mixed thoughts on them. I've also heard horror stories about them.

 

[bdaley]

keep them, they can be an important part of you CUC.

 

[this is me]

If it's too big and too many I would take them out. Otherwise, they're good to have for cleaning up uneaten food and waste. It's only when you have a big one that ran out of food to eat and start tasting your corals.

 

[Technorch]

If it's too big and too many I would take them out. Otherwise, they're good to have for cleaning up uneaten food and waste. It's only when you have a big one that ran out of food to eat and start tasting your corals.

That's pretty much what I do. When I move frags on the sandbed and I see bristle worms, if they're small enough I'll leave them alone sometimes, but if they're about an inch long, then I'll take them out with tweezers.

 

[MrX]

I'll leave them alone sometimes, but if they're about an inch long, then I'll take them out with tweezers.

I have one in my tank that's easily 9-12 inches long; and about the size of my pinky. Haven't seen it in about a week though. Usually I see it from 9:30pm on when the lights are out.

 

[stingythingy45]

They're really part of the CUC.
I don't think you could totally get rid of all of them.
Just the ones you might see.

 

[Nickt]

So keep them. But keep them in check.

 

[this is me]

That would be my advice.

 

[reefstarter]

hell I got some that are at least 8-9 inches long . like they say keep till they are too many , when you see them all over the rocks at night and see them during the day then there are too many

 

[Technorch]

more than an inch long creep the hell out of me lol

 

[dz6t]

I have many of those big worms and they are 4 to 9 inch long, big and fat, I take them out for a walk in the wood once a while.

 

[s_kelley]

Haha much like they have said above, if theyre in your refuge they shouldn't be an issue but sometimes they get to be giant and bother corals. Other than that I would just consider it part of your clean up crew and beneficial to the overall health of your tank

 

[Nickt]

Thanks guys. Dong have fun taking your worms for a walk lol

 

[dz6t]

Thanks guys. Dong have fun taking your worms for a walk lol

Once I found one of the giant one wrapped itself around a sea cucumber, that was not nice at all.
I took him out in the wood and ...have a nice long walk, it is still enjoying the wood, I guess

 

[JasonandSarah]

Neon dottyback took care of my bristle worm population.... Haven't seen one in a long time.

 

[delta]

As long as it is not clogging your drain pipes your good

Warning may cause slight nightmares

http://www.oregonreef.com/sub_worm.htm

 

[Nickt]

That's not a worm it's a snake lol

 

[reefstarter]

Anaconda

 

[Bao]

It hurts when they shoot you with their shiny little needles. I got rid of mine

 

[STiTCH87]

I have literally 3-4 dozen of them in a 5g, and each one is atleast 5" long or so. They're beneficial. I love em! Never had an issue. My wrasse eats them in the 16g though.