I think that I may have an infestation of fireworms in my tank!

[Swimzebras]

I think that I may have an infestation of fireworms in my tank! What should I do? At first I thought they were just bristleworms but no! They're fireworms, and I can't get a CBS b/c he will kill my cleaner and peppermint shrimp, what to do?

 

[melosu58]

What makes you think they are fire worms? Can you get a pic?

 

[Swimzebras]

I saw a video and they looked the same. Reddish pinkish, white "hair" tufts, largish. And I couldn't get a good pic, sorry

 

[Phillipjlael]

I think that I may have an infestation of fireworms in my tank! What should I do? At first I thought they were just bristleworms but no! They're fireworms, and I can't get a CBS b/c he will kill my cleaner and peppermint shrimp, what to do?

I have a CBS with my cleaner shrimp and he doesn't mess with him. And the CBS is twice the size of the cleaner.

 

[XxVooDooxX]

Can't get a good pic? Get a bad pic at least something for reference

 

[Swimzebras]

I'll try...

 

[Swimzebras]

They won't come out of the rocks. Theyre light reddish pinkish with little white tufts along their sides

 

[Karlos69]

Drop some food pellets on the sand after lights out that should bring them out?

 

[Swimzebras]

Ok.... Until I can do that what should I do if they are fireworms? A CBS isn't an option

 

[RYANLAWRENCE]

fireworms shouldnt be a real problem they are just scary

 

[Swimzebras]

Oh....?

 

[austinsdad]

They can be a real hurtful problem if when moving rock with bare hands, and you touch one. Bristles on a fire worm can sting the heck out of you and make your hand swell. The pain lasts for a while. I've read up to a week.

 

[Swimzebras]

Ok I think ill get rid of em....how?

 

[austinsdad]

How to Make a Fireworm Trap | eHow.com
Bristle Worm Trap :: Fish & Pest Traps :: Champion Lighting & Supply

Choices.

 

[joy13]

If you happen to brush up against one make sure you soak it in vinegar ASAP. The area will swell and feel bad even after that but not as bad.

 

[iDream]

Just to prevent that he should wear gloves in the tank at all times

 

[XxVooDooxX]

+1
I was cleaning some LR that is cycling and wasn't wearing gloves, yesterday after I finished my finger hurt bad! My wife spent 30 minutes picking out these clear, almost microscopic barbs from my finger tip. I didn't see the culprit but I will be wearing glove from mow on!

Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium

 

[bianca90]

I had the same problem. Create a trap. Using a small bottle, place some shrimp in it and leave it at night time. He will come into it (but not completely) you'll need a type of hook to pull him out of the live rock. Oh! No lights on, you will need a red light to see. You need to be quick. Best advice for the trap is make sure u tie the mouth of the bottle so you and pull it out of the water. Do not touch the worms. I had a similar problem and they ate all my shrimp and snails.

 

[Swimzebras]

Ok, the problem is I have a ton, after I do this are there any fish that'll eat a little, to get rid of the smaller ones I miss?

 

[Swimzebras]

Here's the crappiest picture/s of one