Green Mandarin Goby?

I am going to do a fresh water dip on some of my live rock to get rid of some of the flat worms. Is this a good idea and how should I go about it ?

 

Flatworms are not a natural diet for Mandarins, while it may appear to be picking at them it will probably only eat them if nothing else is available such as copepods. This may lead to nutritional problems quickly.

Since you already have the fish, and trying to avoid negativity I just sure do not want others to buy them in the hopes that they will eat flatworms effectively.

Most common Damsels will be much more effective, especially if they are not provided with much else until they catch on to eating the flatworms. This however is not true of Mandarins.

lgreen's Mandarin FAQ - Nano-Reef.com Forums

 

No, you'll kill all of the good bacteria and coralline on your rock, and the pods for your mandarin. Try flatworm exit or a light trap.

 

If you do a freshwater dip on the rocks, do not do all of them as that is where your beneficial bacteria is.
Flatworms do not like freshwater and should die within seconds after being introduced into the water. I'm not telling you to dip, but if you do, do not put the water back into the tank. When flatworms die, they are toxic and can pollute your water. And if you do dip don't forget to rinse the rock with saltwater when you are done to make sure no dead ones are put into your system, unfortunately, it probably won't do anything for the eggs which will be placed back into the tank to hatch.

I have also heard that Flatworm Exit will work but have many times heard they come right back. Not sure if they were left behind or new ones were introduced back into the tank.

Panfish had a very good idea about setting a trap but still not sure this would take care of all of them.

 

Perhaps one of these?
Only one since the flatworms are their only food source.
Short Take: Chelidonura Varians: The Flatworm Eating Machine — Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine

 

I am just going to keep siphoning a little everyday and get a 6-line. I have some flat worm exit but have heard a lot more bad things then good things. Think I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing and set up a light tonight. if anyone has any other advice I would love to hear it. Thanks for all the help.

 

Good luck on the hunt tonight. Let us know how it works for you.

 

A simple larval trap will work well. Get a small filter bag or sock and a 2L, Airline Tubing, zipties and a simple LED and watch battery (radio shack).
Step 1: Cut the 2L about 1/2 the way down, discarding the top part.
Step 2: Drill or cut 1/8" holes in the 2L bottom.
Step 3: Drape the filter bag or sock over the edge of the 2L, letting the bag hang down inside of the 2L
Step 4: Attach bag to 2L with ziptie.
Step 5: Run airline tubing over side and create a syphon into the bag.
Step 6: Tape LED to battery and hang above tubing.
Step 7: Turn off lights (except for LED) and watch 'em come!

 

Do you have a picture of this. Sounds like it would work but just not sure how to exactly set it up.

 

I'm guessing the 2L is a 2 liter bottle. What an awesome idea. Never would have thought of that.


Some people are just way too smart.