Flatworm Exit

[Kabong]

When I've treated with FWE, Ive noticed the major effects on other critters other then flatworms are
Fan worms who will hide out for up to days afterward, Doesn't appear fatal though.
and
Mini brittle's hate the stuff they go crazy, Coming out of the rocks and trying to get away. Does not appear to be fatal though, But there a little harder to keep track off. So some loses are possible.

However I don't think I would treat without removing any prized echinoderm's. (starfish, urchin, cucumbers)

other then that Ive treated regular dose and double dose with no visible deaths.

I had a 10 gal that was invested with them and rock that was also covered in apstasia dosed and left it in with no water change in it.
In the end no flatworms, no feather dusters, and no brittle stars to be seen.
So in other words long term exposure is deadly.

[untamed]

My tank is just different...Waaaayyy too much misc. life to risk losing with some sort of toxin.

If anyone else wants a non-toxic approach to control (not elimination), I've discovered that these little beasties can be nicely siphoned using small piece of rigid airline tubing connected to flexible airline tubing.

The airline tubing is so small that you can spend some quality time siphoning up the little buggers without removing a ton of water at the same time. The rigid end give you something you can aim with precision and makes it easy to hold (like a pencil).

Once you have a bucket full of water and flatworms, you can just put most all the water back in leaving the worms in the bottom of the bucket.

In only two sessions, I've reduced the population from 'carpet', to 'hard to find'. I know that I'll have to do this periodically for ever....

[Doug]

Originally Posted by untamed

My tank is just different...Waaaayyy too much misc. life to risk losing with some sort of toxin.

If anyone else wants a non-toxic approach to control (not elimination), I've discovered that these little beasties can be nicely siphoned using small piece of rigid airline tubing connected to flexible airline tubing.

The airline tubing is so small that you can spend some quality time siphoning up the little buggers without removing a ton of water at the same time. The rigid end give you something you can aim with precision and makes it easy to hold (like a pencil).

Once you have a bucket full of water and flatworms, you can just put most all the water back in leaving the worms in the bottom of the bucket.

In only two sessions, I've reduced the population from 'carpet', to 'hard to find'. I know that I'll have to do this periodically for ever....

Thats an interesting approach, although would have not worked well for me in my 225g, with rear access only & 30in. deep. I do know many that keep at them in a similar fashion to you and along with great skimming and current, keep them under control. Esp. if they are lucky enough to have a fish that eats them, which helps.

[Skimmerking]

Yup I remember mine out break in my 120 they were everywhere. for days i would suck out and suck out and they would come back. I have noticed that some were in my friends tank where i was going to get some corals.

But all i do is bring the FWE with me pick up the corals and before closing the bag i pop 1-2 drops in the bad and when i get home i just acclimatize like I always do and throw out the water.

But Knock on wood