What are these?

[charlie]

As the title says, looks like a flatworm to me, but what type. These are only in the refugium so far!!!!

[Poseidon]

Yup, I agree Charlie. I looks like the ones that the sixline wrasse REALLY likes to eat. ;)

[charlie]

I may look into the 6 line. I may have to get in touch with Kevin and see if I can get one thru him. My poor refugium is becoming just another reef/fish tank
That is one reason I don't want to even try to chemically go after these guys.

[Ninong]

They look like the brown flatworms. The spotted mandarinfish (Synchiropus picturatus) also eats them... just not the nasty red ones.

[charlie]

I have it on pretty good authority that these are Red Planaria, did a bunch of research this morning, all over the place. I am pretty sure.

[Ninong]

The red ones are the nasty ones.

[charlie]

If they are planaria, they are detritus eaters. They are in my fuge, and I do water changes out of there, I can siphon the little B$%^&*( out as I go. I would like to find a 6 line that might munch these, I have never had to much success with mandarins.

[Ninong]

What we commonly refer to as "flatworms," are Planaria. There are two common types that are frequently found in reef tanks, the brown type and the red type. The red ones are the ones that release nasty toxins when you kill them with that Salifert product. That's why you have to get rid of the mess right away before it kills some of your fish.

Both types are a nuisance in that they cover up available surfaces, including the surfaces of your corals. That's not cool. That's how they are bad.

[Ninong]

If they are planaria, they are detritus eaters. They are in my fuge, and I do water changes out of there, I can siphon the little B$%^&*( out as I go. I would like to find a 6 line that might munch these, I have never had to much success with mandarins.

It's only the spotted mandarinfish anyway and it doesn't eat red ones.

[charlie]

What we commonly refer to as "flatworms," are Planaria. There are two common types that are frequently found in reef tanks, the brown type and the red type. The red ones are the ones that release nasty toxins when you kill them with that Salifert product. That's why you have to get rid of the mess right away before it kills some of your fish.

Both types are a nuisance in that they cover up available surfaces, including the surfaces of your corals. That's not cool. That's how they are bad.

Believe me, I have done some reading. I know what the effects are when you use FWE, that is why I would like to control them naturally. Like I said, they are only in the fuge. I have a Lubbocki wrasse in the display, don't know if he munches them or not, but I haven't seen one in the 300.

[Poseidon]

That sounds like very conclusive anecdotal evidence. ;)

FWIW, I would try to siphon them, use the 6 line, add lemon damsels... just not the chemicals, that one is WAY harder to deal with then the Interceptor is.

[charlie]

The one good thing is, I can isolate the refugium, and if I had to do daily water changes, I could, so it wouldn't affect the display.

[kevinpo]

Hi Charlie,
I would recommend Flatworm Exit at this point. In 24 years I have not found a fish that will reliably eat them (red Planaria). I use FWE on a regular basis with no ill effect on fish or corals. The trick is to treat early before you have a large population of them. They can cover areas (solid) the size of a dinner plate. I have not found them to be be a problem to corals or fish in themselves but rather a great risk should you have some other problem and they die off in large numbers. The water will turn an orange/brown and most fish and invertebrates will die.

I use enough for 600 gallons in 450 gallon system and one dose usually does it. I turn off the ozone and/or remove carbon for 24 hours. I leave the skimmer running. In about 30 min after dosing you will see them begin to die and float around. With small numbers (3,000 - 5,000) in your size tank (I'm assuming we are talking about your 300) you will not see any other effects. Even Acropora will still have their polyps extended. Sometimes I do a water change in 36 hours other times not. I would use a fresh batch of carbon after 36 hours though and a water change is never a bad thing IMHO. Have water ready to go just in case you have more than you think (This will be determined by a change in water color). 60-100 gallons would be what I recommend to have on hand.

HTH,
Kevin
PS: I am unable to confirm that you have Planaria from your picture as it is too small for me to see clearly.

[charlie]

Thanks Kevin, the whatever they are exist only in the refugium, I just did a flashlight trip thru the main display, and I couldn't find any in the display. How long would I have to isolate the refugium if I only treated in there? The refugium is 75 gallons. I do have some flatworm exit, so I am good to go there. In reading the instructions, it seems unclear to me about the time frame. It says monitor your tank for 6 hours, is that the time I isolate the fuge?
I know that all the macro in there has these hanging all over it, should I just take the huge ball out and give it a good shake afterwards?
I was looking to see if I could get another pic, but none of them are on the glass right now, I will check later.
Thanx

[kevinpo]

Hi Charlie,
The FWE will kill the ones in the algae. 24 hours is the minimum treat time IME. Once you finish treating the refugium and do a water change I would treat the whole system a few days later. It is very likely that you have at least one in your main tank and if you have none then no harm done.

Regards,
Kevin

[charlie]

Do you have any FWE on hand at the shop? I have enough to do the fuge, but the display is gonna take a whole bottle.
Would you suggest a few powerheads in the fuge during treatment?

[kevinpo]

Do you have any FWE on hand at the shop?

Would you suggest a few powerheads in the fuge during treatment?

Yes & yes

Kevin

[charlie]

Well then, if you make it to the shop today, could you get some FWE headed my way, I would sure appreciate it. Thanx for the help.