TUBEWORMS OVER-RUNNING AQUARIUM

[reef garden]

I have a number of small tubeworms (grow to almost an inch long) that started growing in my aquariums. Initially they look cute to me so I left them alone.

At first, they appeared from crevices between the rocks, then gradually moved on to the sand bed and even started growing amongst or between corals such as zoas. They seemed to be overtaking my aquarium now and I believe they spread so fast due to my excessive feeding.

I am sure some of our bros out there faced this problem before and I would appreciate if someone can advise how I can remove or control them through introduction of some fishes or invertebrates that eat them.

Thanks in advance!

[asg]

Copperband butterfly to the resue. But make sure your tank is suitable for a butterfly.

[james72]

Tube worms is a good sign.....

Cheers,

James

[reef garden]

Copperband butterfly to the resue. But make sure your tank is suitable for a butterfly.

Bro, Thanks for the advice. I have considered a Copperband Butterfly before but it's not reef safe. That's why I'm fretting.

[reef garden]

Tube worms is a good sign..... Cheers, Jameshttp://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/topic/105744-the-journey-to-the-valley-of-the-reef-by-james/'>http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/topic/105744-the-journey-to-the-valley-of-the-reef-by-james/

Bro James, Thanks for the reply. You said tube worms is a good sign. Is it because the filter feeding action improves circulation around the rocks or what? I don't understand. So your suggestion is to leave them alone?

[james72]

Its a natural filter feeder. It populate because your tank parameters is stable I have it in my sump n main tank too. It will not do harm.

Cheers,

James

[solasido]

Bro,

Actually when a fish is said to be not reef safe, we should not swallow it as it is but to probe further in what sense.

I am keeping the following not reef safe fish:

* Coris wrasse (adult about 5" long). It is said to be not reef safe. But no source really specify on what it is not safe. Some said it will shrimp ans crabs and will turn over rocks. Since I do not keep shrimp, then it is okay. I have kept it for almost half a year and I love it.

* Schooling banner fish (false moorish idol). Yes it occasionally nip on SPS polyp but it does not damage it. The damage is negligible, unnoticeable. It is such a beautiful fish. I have kept for about 1-2 months.

* Vagabond butterfly. Yes it occasionally nips on SPS polyp but again no noticeable damage. It is with me together with the false moorish idol about 1-2 months.

* Yellow clown goby. It fed on SPS polyps, but also no real damage. It some times hit the Vagabond butterfly with much bigger size to defend the coral it is staying on. The butterfly is scared of it and would run away.

So basically not reef safe should not be just generalized and avoided. But it should be understood in what context and what the consequences are before deciding.

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