Bristle worms in large reef tanks: beneficial clean-up crew or a pest problem?

[bardia]

I’ve noticed a growing population of bristle worms in my 180-gallon reef and I’m torn between leaving them as part of the clean-up crew or actively removing them. Some are small pink ones, but there are also a couple of larger fireworms I’m worried about. For those of you with large systems, do you let the bristle worms do their thing, or do you try to control their numbers? Have you used natural predators like arrow crabs or wrasses, or tried traps? I’m also curious whether any particular feeding strategies keep populations in check without starving other inverts. Appreciate any insights from fellow big-tank keepers.

 

[SamT125]

I have a bunch of different wrasses in my larger tank.
My grey headed wrasse tends to keep my tank free of bristleworms.

 

[Justin Ranke]

As much as I hate them, they are really great clean-up crew. No point of trying to remove them honestly, as most of the time they are deep in the rockwork, and will just multiply again. Best way to reduce the population is reducing their food source. Siphon out as much detritus etc.. and you will see a reduction very quick. Or you could make a trap, but these will all just be temporary fixes, none are permanent.