Feather duster falling apart or dieing

[Junit-55]

No one knows? Can I put a piece of hose on him after I get his feathers all the way back in? He's split and and can't come out without getting tangled I think a tube is the best idea any thoughts?

[Proteus]

J.
Try cutting it back. As long as your not citing the worm.

[Junit-55]

Is it safe to cut? And if I cut it it will always b sticking out like half inch is that ok?

[jorjef]

It is safe to cut, if you are saving at least half the tube it should be fine, he will move further in if he's not comfortable sticking 1/2" out. Try to put the tail end in the sand or gravel or deep into a hole in some live rock.....At kill all your crabs..I hate crabs lol

[Junit-55]

Il try hope I don't kill it thanks for the advice

[jorjef]

Just do it with as little handling as possible, if it gets too stressed it will detach the plume. Doesn't mean it's dead if it does, but it won't be happy

[Junit-55]

Thanks for the advice guys starting the surgery now

[NU-2reef]

I've trimmed a feather duster tube and it was fine the next day. I have seen shrimp and crab do this to soft tube worms many times. What has helped it recover in my tank was to bury part or most of the tube in substrate. Mine actually incorporated some substrate to repair its tube. I'm not saying this is the cure but it helped in my situation.

Good luck, hope it bounces back for you.

[Junit-55]

Sound legit to me do u mind me asking what substrate is?

[jorjef]

Sand, gravel what ever is on the floor of your tank.