can I cut off feather duster tube?

[copi]

I've got a hawaiian feather duster that, shortly after arrival, broke through his "tube" and made a new tube to achor himself deeper in the sand. Now the old tube has worked its way to the surface, and just flaps in the current. It's gross looking -- can I cut it off since the worm no longer uses it? I know it's not part of the worm & won't hurt it, but I'm not sure if having a small open space like that will be bad for it, or if it will just cover it over again.

Thanks!

 

[mastershake]

what do you meant cut it off, it shouldnt be attached to the animal and i would think you can just lift the old tube out of the water?

 

[copi]

what do you meant cut it off, it shouldnt be attached to the animal and i would think you can just lift the old tube out of the water?

No it's like branches on a tree. He was in one tube, then he broke through that tube in the center and started a new branch to anchor himself better. Now the old branch is still attached but empty, and just flapping there.

Not sure why I think the worm is male... lol...

 

[Fluff]

If you are absolutely sure it's in no way attached or being used by the worm in anyway. And that cutting it off isn't going to disturb "him", I'd remove it.

 

[Tito2491]

I had to move my featherduster from one spot because my damsels constantly threw sand at it , i had to pull it off a rock and it tore at the end but when i put in the live sand bed (i put it in pretty deep) it recovered the piece