Flatworms! Help

[oh207]

Hey MR,
I notice this weekend that I have a terrible infestation of Flatworms. They are flat and red and they are on the Live Rocks and some are on the sand and glass. I didn't know what they were but after doing some research and reading up on them I learn how bad they could be.
I got Flatworm exit today but I'm afraid to use it because I read that it can cause the worms to release poison and kill things in your tank.

I'm planning to use the flatworm exit next weekend and then run carbon and water change. I have lots of carbon for my reactor, extra carbon pads, and will make enough water to do approx. 75% water change if needed.

Anyone who has used flatworm exit in the past, or battle this, can you please offer some feedback and our guidance? :help:

 

[Widdy]

Manually siphon out as much as you can before using FWE. Repeat treatment the following week.

Here's a good read: http://www.melevsreef.com/node/651

G'luck!

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

I had em a few months ago and I dealt with them by getting a pair of springer damsels , and a malanarus wrasse , flatworm exit helped but natures predators did the trick for me and are always on watch.

 

[BAD FISH]

+1 melanarus wrasse

 

[thirty6]

I used fwe on a heavily infested tank but my tank was new still, no livestock so he worry of toxin didn't matter at the time. I used entire bottle in two doses and siphoned a ton out of tank. Your on point with carbon and a predator or two can only help

 

[oh207]

Manually siphon out as much as you can before using FWE. Repeat treatment the following week.

Here's a good read: http://www.melevsreef.com/node/651

G'luck!

Thanks for the link Widdy. This is a great idea. This way I can reduce the number of flatworms without having to do a massive water change. I will do the manual removal first.

I had em a few months ago and I dealt with them by getting a pair of springer damsels , and a malanarus wrasse , flatworm exit helped but natures predators did the trick for me and are always on watch.

I would like to get a melanarus to keep them in check if I don?t manage to get rid of all. I?ve checked 3 LFS this weekend for a melanarus wrasse, but it appears that they are out. Even if I get one, I would want to QT it for a minimum of 6 weeks before putting it into my DT. So I will will try the manual removal starting this weekend and then try the FWE.

 

[oh207]

I used fwe on a heavily infested tank but my tank was new still, no livestock so he worry of toxin didn't matter at the time. I used entire bottle in two doses and siphoned a ton out of tank. Your on point with carbon and a predator or two can only help

That was good that you had that opportunity to get rid of them. I definitely don't want to dose any amount of FWE in my tank without first trying manual removal. I think the problem is a lot worse than I first thought. What I thought was corraline algae appears to be thick sheets of flatworms group together. Now that I know what to look for I am afraid there are a LOT more than I previously thought I had. :banghead:
I definitely need to do some manual removal in the areas where I can reach. I would hate to use FWE and lose any of my precious livestock. Everything is doing well (flatworms included) lol.
The clowns are spawning, the dragonets are dancing, the shrimps are spawning, and even the RBTA looks pregnant.

+1 melanarus wrasse

Thanks. I?ll keep an eye out for one.

 

[thirty6]

I def. had the optimum infestation all things considered. You have a Good excuse to buy some fish!

 

[Jc lover]

Wrasse

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

flatworm exit works great but need to do 3 treatments over 1 month time...
they always come back after 1-2 treatments