Bristle Worm Question
 

I notice some bristle worms that come out once the lights go out, they seem quite long and about as thick as a garden worm. I tried to grab one with plastic tongs but they seem very strong and he broke off at about an inch long. The rest of it disappeared back into the rocks. I did see traps that are available, do they work or is there a better way to get rid of these creepy things:question:

Hey Laurie, most bristleworms are beneficial

Have a look here under worms, and on the web, before you start ripping all those dudes to shreds :smile:

There are only a few you have to worry about - see fireworms

:/

They're pretty awesome actually. I just recently seeded my nano with about 20 of them.

They mainly become a problem if you overfeed because then you'll cause a population explosion. I don't like them mainly because the bristles get on the rocks and such and then prickle your fingers when you pick and move stuff around in your tank.

So is it just the red ones that are the bad ones and do they have a head and tail or are they like a garden worm where there is no head or tail . I don't think I'm over feeding as I like to keep the fish hungry. I feed usually once a day and the odd time twice, but not often.

They are beneficial but the large ones can become problematic. They are part of the "cleanup crew" and eat detritus and uneaten food. Or a dead fish overnight.
If you want to get rid of some, try putting some food into a nylon stocking. Their bristles will get tangled up in the mesh and you throw out the whole thing in the morning.