stable tank...

[berkdog]

I've had my 80g FOWLR tank up and running for about a year now, and it's doing pretty well. I made sure to always quarantine new fish, and was able to treat some fish without exposing existing fish to their diseases. That is the best advise and decision ever: always quarantine! The only major problem I had was when a refugium clog spilled 20 gallons of water all over the carpet (floor carpet, not an anemone ) and I had to do an emergency move of the tank. That was 10 months ago, and I never moved the tank back on the carpet... and probably never will...

Inside the tank/fish:
1x Amphiprion ocellaris (orange smaller/male clown - paired with below)
1x Amphiprion ocellaris (black larger/female clown - paired with above)
2x Amphiprion perideraion (pair of skunk clowns)
1x Paracanthurus hepatus (blue hippo tang)
1x Elacatinus oceanops (neon goby)
1x Salarias fasciatus (sailfin/algae blenny)
Inside the tank/inverts:
2x Lysmata amboinensis (pair of scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp)
1x Lysmata debelius (blood red fire shrimp)
1x Stenopus hispidus (banded coral shrimp)
Hundreds of snails (variety)
A handful (less than 10) of hermit crabs (variety)

Questions:
I have bristle worms and other live rock inhabitants (tiny things that swim around like childhood seamonkeys). Anyway, I've read good and bad things about bristle worms. I read that even in the oil spill on the gulf coast, bristle worms are the survivors... they thrive... in the waters. Should I try to limit the growth and strength of these worms in my tank? If so, how? I tried to grab them, but they quickly squirm away. I've read about making traps, but what has worked or what do you suggest?

Are the residents of my tank too much, just right, or open for 1 or 2 more? I know it's not recommended to add different types of clownfish, but these have been doing fine and found homes and occupy opposite ends of the tank and only interact when they meet in the middle (rare).

[leebca]

NEVER try to grab or touch a Bristle Worm

There is a type of Bristle Worm which are harmful to the humans. They 'stick' their bristles into skin. It is very painful. Don't touch them.

Their value is subject of many discussions and articles. You'll find opinions out there both pro and anti them being in a marine community tank.

On the negative side:
1) They can get large (over 6" long and 'fat') having a snake appearance which puts off a lot of hobbyists and visitors to hobbyist's marine tanks.

2) They can and do harm fish. Some fish eat them, but some can be hurt by them.

On the pro side are:
1) They are a good benthic creature, keeping the substrate moving about and clean.

2) Some fish eat them -- good food.

My general rule is this: When they are short (under 3") they are welcome. When they get big I wonder what I'm doing wrong with my system, but nonetheless remove them. There are traps made to catch them. You'll find them in some LFSs and on the Internet from some of the Reefland sponsors. These and homemade traps work on the basic principle that they go inside to get at food and can't find their way out.

Your tank inhabitants aren't bad. I would find another home for the Tang when it gets over 3" long. When that happens, you can add more fish. Right now, if you must add a fish, choose one that doesn't grow any larger than 5" and is suitable for that size aquarium and the inhabitants that are there.

It's good to hear of you being a responsible hobbyist. The fish in your care are probably much better off than they would be in the wild!

[berkdog]

Thanks Lee! I actually never grabbed them with my bare hands! Only with those long fishtank gloves or a plastic tweezer thing (purchased as something you can hand feed fish with).

The bristle worms are gross looking! Even at 1"... ewww, worms! haha, Thanks again!

I'll wait to remove the tang before adding any new fish. Any recommendations? =) I know that's a huge question, but just always looking at other people's ideas too (as I have lots of time and planning).

PS: If one removes bristle worms, what is a humanitarian or suggested way at disposing them? Crush 'em, so they die fast? Drop them in a (freshwater) toilet? [my friend told me they use sea/saltwater in some countries!]

[reeferguru]

There are two different kinds of worms that you are talking about. True Bristle Worms and the Fire Worm. Both can be problematic for an aquarium due to extreme size, reproduction and growth, carnivoristic nature related to feeding on corals, invertebrates and small fish as well.
The Bristle Worms have very fine hairy bristes hence the name. They are not venomous and basically touching them will result in a rash, irritation or possible skim abrassion.
Fire worms on the other hand pack a punch and can cause pain if touched by the unwary aquarist. They are usually very colorful and pretty though grow up to 14" or so. They come armed with fine hairs as are their cousins, the bristle worms, though unmike bristle worms, fire worms are poisonous containing a neurotoxin that can cause intense pain, swellling, irritation, dizziness or nausea.
Various traps are available as are certain tank mates that prey on these worms. Coral Banded Shrimp, Arrow Crabs, Six Lined Wrasses and Trigger Fish will feed on them but you have to weigh your options of adding these to your tanks diversity as problems can be evident with adding these to your tank.
The best way of keeping these under wraps is nutrient reduction. To much food will spur a population explosion of these predators. Housing a few of these animals can be beneficial not only to aerate your sanbed, but as a cleanup crew for maintaining a clean benthic area of your aquarium.

[leebca]

I don't give recommendations for fish. Just be sure to do your homework. Find one that is suitable for the community you have, that you can care for, that won't grow larger than the tank can handle, and you're home free.

You might find these posts helpful:
For disposing of worms: Euthanasia -- Putting a Marine Down

Fish Stocking Limit - for FO and FOWLR
Is The Fish Healthy?