A question about bristle worms:

Please give me some suggestions as to eliminating bristle worms from live rock in my reef tank. Some remedies we have tried are :

1. Bristle worm tube trap ($19.00)

That will work for small ones up to 1 1/2 to 2 in if its placed where they are and suspended with fishing line. Find where they are by looking in the tank with a flashlight after the lights have been out for a couple of hours.

2. Panty hose on the rock to snag worm

That will work if you place bait inside and tie it off like a small bundle with some loose nylon for their legs to get hooked in, again with the fishing line and flashlight.You have to wait and keep checking with the flashlight.

3. Plastic cup with holes containing shrimp

You can make a larger version with some 1 or larger in PVC and nylons and rubber bands like a lobster trap and bait.

4. Placing rock in fresh water for 15-20 minutes

One good way is to locate the rock there in, remove it into a plain empty bucket till he falls/comes out. I have had the best luck with that...Ive seen 12" fall out.

5. Placing rock in salt water bucket in direct sun

I dont know about that.

6. Physically attempting to grab the worm in tank with tweezers

Keep a pair of latex gloves nearby and grab them if you see em They seem to be more sluggish if there out with the lights on. Ive gotten 1 like that.

Ive heard of placing dry ice in a bucket of salt water with the suspect rock, although Ive never tried it. ARROWHEAD crabs are a predator of bworms thats a needed creature in the reef. Bworms are a real pain and have tested my paitence to the limit, but... one by one... both you and the arrowhead can rid them. Also of course its better to "starve" the tank before any baiting unless you are sure your fish are eating what you give them. As a last resort... you can split the rock with a hammer and chisle.

Hope this helps,Thanks for the question.

Good Luck RM       BACK TO FAQ