Potential Bristle worm problem

[Pops]

What do you do to control bristle worms? I'm not seeing a problem yet, but I want to be prepare when/if it becames a problem. I also know they're beneficial for keeping the tank clean, but I don't want a gang of them in there. I was thinking about buying a wrasse, but the LFS says they'll start picking on the clowns. I have a lawnmower blenny in there too. So I was thinking about buying a couple of dottybacks instead. What do you guys think?

 

[Jocko]

I guess I'm curious what prompted you to even think of this. I personally don't usually hear of cases where they are a problem. In a new tank you will likely see a sudden spike in the population as the tank is maturing. But ultimately food constraints limit the size of the population so it settles down to a level where you don't see them that often unless you go digging under rocks for them. That same phenomenon is common with a lot of the micro fauna in a new tank from pods to flatworms, pineapple sponges, feather dusters, etc.

So I guess the short answer is, the best way to control the population is by controlling your feeding to minimize what is available to them. But honestly I wouldn't worry about them too much. It's nice to have teams of critters working to clean up whatever food gets missed by the big guys.

 

[JohnK]

Yup, second to everything Jocko said.

There are some old misconceptions that still come up from time to time about bristle worm problems, but in reality bristle worm problems (if they can even be called that) are really symptoms of over feeding and or poor husbandry.

If you have a lot of bristles, then there is a lot of food available for them. If you remove the bristles, then that food will pile up to rot and or feed something else that will probably be less desirable.

 

[Pops]

thanks all...so I'll not make the bristle worm reef public enemy #1..it can stay for awhile...but I still may get a leopard wrasse and/or a orchid dottyback

 

[stingythingy45]

Although I consider trying to control the population of brissle worms futile.
If you want a critter to keep them in check.Look into getting a coral banded shrimp.