Dealing with coral pests naturally
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reefguy - Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:27 pm
Dealing with coral pests naturally
I've got a major flatworm outbreak in my 75-gallon reef tank. They're all over my Zoanthids and Acros. Tried manual removal but they keep coming back. Any natural predators or methods that actually work without nuking the tank?
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FableCore - Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:27 pm
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
A six-line wrasse or a yellow coris wrasse can help control flatworms. I've had success with both in my 120-gallon system. Just make sure your tank's big enough for them to thrive. Also, consider a freshwater dip for heavily infested corals, but go slow to avoid shocking them.
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herbior - Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:00 pm
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
I feel your pain. Flatworms are the worst. I've had luck with reducing feeding and increasing flow. They seem to thrive in low-flow areas. Maybe tweak your powerheads and see if that cuts their numbers down?
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silenci - Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:17 pm
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Yep, six-lines are little murder machines. Mine cleared my tank in a week. Just watch out, they can get territorial with other wrasses.FableCore wrote: ↑Wed Aug 27, 2025 4:38 pm A six-line wrasse or a yellow coris wrasse can help control flatworms. I've had success with both in my 120-gallon system. Just make sure your tank's big enough for them to thrive. Also, consider a freshwater dip for heavily infested corals, but go slow to avoid shocking them.
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Moonlit8 - Posts: 2
- Joined: Sat Mar 02, 2024 10:17 am
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Anyone tried those flatworm exit treatments? Heard mixed reviews. Some say it's magic, others say it crashes tanks. Sketchy vibe either way.
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tunnel - Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:21 am
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
I've used flatworm exit in my 40-gallon. Worked but you gotta siphon out the dead ones fast. They release toxins when they die. Did a 20% water change right after and my corals were fine.
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speckle - Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Oct 01, 2023 9:53 am
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Man, flatworms are such a buzzkill. My go-to is a combo of wrasses and manual removal. Also, cut back on light for a few days. They hate that.
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russety - Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:06 pm
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
This. More flow and less food made a huge diff in my nano. Still see a few here and there but nothing like before.
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riverlyn - Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:39 pm
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
What about peppermint shrimp? Do they eat flatworms or just aiptasia?
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reefguy - Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:27 pm
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Thanks for all the suggestions. Gonna try the six-line wrasse first and up the flow. Appreciate the help!