Live Sand Critters

[Haskellf]

Is it beneficial to add Bristle Worms and Hawaiian Reef Brittle Stars to irrigate and sift through the sand or are these critters considered pests to a salt water aquarium? What would be your favourite critters to use to naturally irrigate the Live Sand?

 

[ChrisRD]

IMO, with the exception of a few species or extremely large specimens, these animals are harmless scavengers and good to have.

 

[Canada]

Why is it that so many people are against bristle worms? They always are seemed to be concidered a pest and many people talk about how to trap and remove them. What is the down side of bristleworms. Is it that they may over populate or what?

 

[fishfanatic2]

Well...

They can get kind of big,most at least a foot, and can pack a powerful sting if you brush against them. Some can also multiply rather quickly, and they're hard to get rid of.

At leaast that's what I've heard. :wink:

 

[danmhippo]

It is common misunderstanding that when people finds dead fish/corals, clams and bristle worms are always nearby. But what they have witnessed is actually the worms feeding on the dead tissue, natures way of cleaning up.

Their sting can be a B*tch, but wearing thin gloves when you are working with aquascaping is sufficient to prevent it.

 

[Bill2]

I use what ever grows. I would never go out and buy a "kit" unless you feel the need to add certain animals but most of the critters you need can be gotten from a cup of sand from another local reefer.