Bristle worms on new live rock

[newreefer_59]

Was just setting my tank and discovered bristle worms (I think) in the tank shortly after placing the new live rock in. Are these something that is ok in the tank, or will they not survive the cycling now in process? Also had several small crabs but not worried about those.

[tgoeujon]

id worry more about the crabs. the bristle worms should be fine but id give the crabs there eviction notice

[noirsphynx]

I would be more worried about the crabs. Most hitchiker crabs aren't good news. There's debate out on the bristleworms, some like them, some don't. I think every system probably has them. They eat detrius but can get pretty big over time. Also you don't want to touch them. They'll leave little bristles in your fingers.

[newreefer_59]

really.....why are the crabs not a good thing?

[noirsphynx]

Some of them can get pretty large but some will also eat your cuc and small fish.

[tgoeujon]

yup and if you let them stay now itll be pretty hard to get them out once youve got a fully stocked tank

[ElGuappo]

Originally Posted by tgoeujon

yup and if you let them stay now itll be pretty hard to get them out once youve got a fully stocked tank

Not to mention you wil be less willing to destroy your rock structure later.

[fiorano]

there was a bunch of crabs on the rock i just put into my tank as well... but its going to be a mantis tank so im not toooo worried about it hahaha they'll all end up as dinner eventually