How to Get Rid of Flatworms in a SW Tank

Flatworms may migrate to your fish tank via a coral host or they may be introduced some other way. However they got there, you need to remove them as quickly as possible or they will multiply and cause serious damage to your tank and its occupants. One way is to attack them with natural predators, such as six line wrasses, leopard wrasses, target mandarins and blue damsels. In the absence of sufficient natural predators, you will need to remove the flatworms manually, as they continue to emit a deadly toxin even after they die.

Things You'll Need

  • Flatworm vacuum
  • Flatworm exit chemical
  • Activated carbon
  • 20 gals. salt water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a bag in the sump and start the siphon by positioning the rigid tube of the vacuum near the powerhead. Vacuum all visible flatworms.

    • 2

      Turn off the ozonizer and the UV light. Treat the tank with 1 drop of Flatworm Exit per gallon, according to instructions. Blow water into all areas in which flatworms might hid.

    • 3

      Vacuum flatworms as they surface and die. This process may take several hours. Check the tank every 30 minutes for dead flatworms.

    • 4

      Run activated carbon to remove toxins and impurities. Change the tank with 20 gallons of salt water.

    • 5

      Monitor the tank for at least six hours after you complete the process.