File Under Rookie Error

So a while back I noticed that the egg crate I have my rock rubble in the fuge section of my sump had sort of collapsed on one side. The rock started looking grungy, and I decided it wasn't getting enough flow. So, I grabbed a bucket and pulled the rock out bit by bit, fixed the crate and put it back in. In the process I picked up quite few little slivers in my fingers, they hurt like heck and I have no idea what they are. But my guess is I should have been wearing gloves.

 

Bristles from bristleworms. Hurt like hell but they won't kill you.

 

Agreed. Bristleworms affect folks differently. If you tend to be the allergic sensitive type, your fingers will hurt, be red, and a bit swollen for a few days. If not, it's like fiberglass to the forearms. That's a bit uncomfortable, but passes quickly.

Let us know how you fare.

Hope it's not too bad. :-/

 

So, aside from my pain, does that mean I have bristle worms in my tank, and if so is that bad?

 

Bristleworms are a good hitchiker in your tank. They're a good free addition to your cleaning crew. I they get to big though may cause some issues, IMO

 

I have found bristleworm bristles to have a curved allergic reaction. Each time you get one in you, the reaction is 10X worse than the last one. "I thought I would have learned last time but I didn't!". Typically followed by a lot of swearing.

 

Saying what you have exactly would be speculation. It sounds like it very well could be, but I suppose it could also be nematocysts from the stingers of hydroids or maybe some unicellular floaters.

It's impossible to tell. Suffice it to say you got hit by some marine nasty.

And to address your question, if you did have bristleworms in your tank, the jury is out on whether or not it's doomsday for the tank. My opinion is you'll be fine no matter what it is. Lots of people are quick to say bristleworms should be removed. I don't feel that way.

Be glad it wasn't palytoxin from some button polyps. Just be careful with your hands!!

 

good doctor lingo sparky. nematocysts and palytoxin. and good advice.

 

That settles it, full body armor next time I go in.

 

How would you get bristleworm bristles in your hand withuot bristleworms? Give it some thought

Yes, you have bristleworms in your tank. I would be totally shocked to ever see a tank that didn't have them. Beneficial little critters.