Flatwarm problem / question

[Riceman]

I just got my fish tank clean and I was told that I had flatworms growing on my corals. I wanted to get a second, third, fourth and fifth opinion on how to get rid of them. I was advised to get a green mandarin (with red spots) to get rid of them.

[bluwc]

You could get a six line too and he will help you with the numbers. If you want to totally rid your system of flatworms though, use flatworm exit. follow the directions to the T though! Make sure you have water handy for a water change and after you put exit in, suck all the dead ones that come floating up, out.

[jimsflies]

In my opinion, getting another critter to deal with a problem can be hit or miss.

I'm thinking we need to ID the type of flatworms you have since there are several types. If they are small orangish brown and seem to be mostly on the live rock and glass, I wouldn't be overly concerned about them. Their population will actually recede on its own if given time. You could also try a fish or something that could eat them. I haven't really hear the mandarin recommendation before, but that doesn't mean they don't eat them.

If they seem to be feasting on coral that would be cause for immediate action.

Flatworm exit is pretty effective at killing the flatworms too. I have used it numerous times with no serious ill effects. I generally end up adding more than the recommended dosing...usually go with the recommended dosing and wait to see if they respond. They will start dying pretty quickly when you get the concentration right. As was mentioned, follow it up with a couple water changes focused on siphoning out the dead and dying flatworms and run some carbon.

[The.Maxi.Man]

Picture is a must.

Once confirmed go with Flatworm Exit, then get a Sixline to keep the pests in control.

[mth1993]

I have been following a great thread on RC that is testing bayer advanced insect killer. It appears to be doing great for redbugs and flatworms. I purchased some and am going to use it as a dip next time I am adding coral to my tank.

Another option for red bugs - Reef Central Online Community

[larryandlaura]

I use a sixline. It does a fairly good job.

[MizTanks]

I just ordered some Flatworm Exit~gonna use it But like Jim said, get a pix and identify them first. Some are harmless. Yet you did say they are on your corals, where's mine are only on the glass.

[Riceman]

here goes the picture of the flatworms


at the base of my frogspan


On top of my mushroom



my over all tank

[The.Maxi.Man]

I can't confirm that those are flatworms, can someone else chime in?

[jimsflies]

Those look like the harmless variety. It's very typical to see them on mushrooms.

I hadn't really hear of six lines specifically taking them out either. I have heard of yellow damsels being used to control flatworms. Both of those fish could be problems to add to your tank if you haven't finished adding the fish you want. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease and both sixlines and lemon damsels turn into mean SOB's.

If it were me, I wouldn't lose any sleep over these flatworms, and when you have time to deal with it pickup some flatworm exit, make some saltwater for a big water change, and kill some flat worms.

Here is a link with a decent photo of them and more info: PestFlatwrmAnthony

I'm pretty sure that this variety of flatworm is photosynthetic. Although I'm not confident you could starve them of light to eradicate them.