coral pest control: flatworms

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bailite
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:59 am

coral pest control: flatworms

Post by bailite »

Noticed some flatworms on my Zoanthids today. Gonna try siphoning them out, but is there a better way to deal with these pests without nuking my tank?
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flumon
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Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by flumon »

Flatworms are a pain, but you're on the right track with siphoning. I've had luck with Flatworm Exit, just gotta follow the dosage carefully. How big's your tank? Smaller systems can be trickier to treat.
beetnut
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Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by beetnut »

Flatworm Exit works, but you need to remove as many as possible manually first. The die-off can crash your tank if you don't. Also, check your flow, low flow spots are where they thrive.
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flintlock
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Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by flintlock »

Yeah, Flatworm Exit's sketchy if you don't prep right. I'd siphon, then run carbon after treatment. What's your water change routine? Keeping params stable helps corals bounce back.
voicer
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Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by voicer »

beetnut wrote: Thu Apr 24, 2025 6:11 am Flatworm Exit works, but you need to remove as many as possible manually first. The die-off can crash your tank if you don't. Also, check your flow, low flow spots are where they thrive.
Exactly. I'd add a wrasse like a Six Line or Melanurus to help control them long-term. They're natural predators and way less risky than chemicals.
Awardsly
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:29 pm

Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by Awardsly »

Six Line wrasses are clutch for this. Mine cleared my tank in a week. Just make sure your tank's big enough, they need space to roam. What other fish you got in there?
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bailite
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Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by bailite »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try siphoning and maybe grab a wrasse. Tank's a 40-gallon with a pair of clowns and a goby, so should be fine.
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flumon
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Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by flumon »

bailite wrote: Thu Apr 24, 2025 9:16 am Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try siphoning and maybe grab a wrasse. Tank's a 40-gallon with a pair of clowns and a goby, so should be fine.
Solid plan. Just keep an eye on the clowns, some wrasses can be territorial. Good luck!
voicer
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:54 pm

Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by voicer »

If you go the wrasse route, acclimate them slowly. They're sensitive to sudden changes. Also, feed them well so they don't mess with your other fish.
beetnut
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Re: coral pest control: flatworms

Post by beetnut »

Post an update after treatment. Curious how it goes. Flatworms are stubborn, but sounds like you've got a good approach.
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