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Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 3:28 pm
by reefguy
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?
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 4:38 pm
by FableCore
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.
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 5:03 pm
by herbior
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?
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 5:50 pm
by silenci
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.
Yep, six-lines are little murder machines. Mine cleared my tank in a week. Just watch out, they can get territorial with other wrasses.
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 7:28 pm
by Moonlit8
Anyone tried those flatworm exit treatments? Heard mixed reviews. Some say it's magic, others say it crashes tanks. Sketchy vibe either way.
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 8:45 pm
by tunnel
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.
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 9:47 pm
by speckle
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.
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 9:55 pm
by russety
herbior wrote: ↑Wed Aug 27, 2025 5:03 pm
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?
This. More flow and less food made a huge diff in my nano. Still see a few here and there but nothing like before.
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 11:13 pm
by riverlyn
What about peppermint shrimp? Do they eat flatworms or just aiptasia?
Re: Dealing with coral pests naturally
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 11:50 pm
by reefguy
Thanks for all the suggestions. Gonna try the six-line wrasse first and up the flow. Appreciate the help!