Blue Velvet Nudibranchs

[Markee]

So, I have a bit of a flatworm problem, and I've been trying to find some ideas to try before going straight to the Flatworm Exit. I have been siphoning out as many as I can see, but the next day they are always right back again. I have started feeding less and I am going to add a pair of wrasses next week to help, but I was wondering about trying Blue Velvet Nudibranchs? I did a bit of research and heard that they do a great job. Will my fish eat them? Are they reef safe? Whats your guy's opinion on these guys?

Backround on my tank: 120g reef, I have three fish (tomini tang, starry blenny, black clown).

Also if you have any other tips on getting rid of them, let me know. Thanks!

 

[donrando]

in a tank that size, I would add a spotted mandarinfish to eat your flatworms. The nudi WILL eat the FW, but then run out of food, but the mandarin would find other things to eat, like pods, etc.

 

[mcdonaldjosh7]

+1 on the mandarin

 

[Markee]

So is it just the spotted mandarin that will eat them or will green mandarins eat them too? Because I've been wanting a green mandarin for forever.

 

[Markee]

Oh and I could also just find another home for the nudis if I got them..

 

[Husker12181]

I uped the flow and added a light, then added a Blue Velvet nudi. My nudi disappeared along with my flat worms after a week, and I never had a problem after that.

 

[estanoche]

or use the flatworm exit Markee - it isn't that bad as long as you are prepared and ready to do water changes if things go awry!!

but yes, to answer your question, a regular mandarin might eat them too - I found that with my fish that ate them, they kept the population in check, but once something unfortunate happened to that fish, the flatworms crept back up again! Eradicate them now, when you have the chance, and get a mandarin, and treat it to eat prepared foods, you will be happier all around - you get the fish you want, and don't have the flatworms anymore!!

 

[Markee]

I brought a green mandarin yestereday and I must say he is gorgeous also, I can't quite figure out what he is eating off the rocks but he is picking at them like crazy. AND he got excited when I put flakes in there, didn't see him eat them but his excitement was a good sign I would say! Surprising, the flatworms are slowly dissapearing on there own, before I added the mandarin. They are still there, but not as bad. I am going to try and get my hands on a nud, and once the I can barely see any, I will treat with the Flatworm Exit. Is that a good idea? Oh and also, I still haven't gotten the wrasses yet. They haven't come in.

 

[Markee]

This is the best pic I could get of him.
Sorry about the flash!

 

[estanoche]

definitely a good thing!! You should try feeding him some mysis and see what he does, if you have any

 

[Markee]

You know I think I have to get some mysis. I thought I had some from the meeting a while ago but I will have to look. I will be sure to try that though.

 

[estanoche]

You know I think I have to get some mysis. I thought I had some from the meeting a while ago but I will have to look. I will be sure to try that though.

You brought some home from our September meeting from the Bills in Sandpoint right??? My fish LOVE those - but they mysis are HUGE haha, might be too big for a little mandarin - you will have to wait and see

 

[Markee]

I did I just can't seem to find them... We have 3 freezers though, odds are they're here somwhere. lol