bristle worms?

[rngrjeremy]

So i bought some live rock and dropped it into my new tank added salt and let it sit for 24 hours before i got the lights and sump hooked up... the moment the water started to flow out comes these guys.. i have about 5 hanging out side of the rocks and about 10 more that started to flow around the tank and are now in the sump. Wondering what i should do.. leave them, attempt to pull the ones hanging outside the rock out with a pair of tweezers or what? thanks guys

 

[fish scales2]

Sounds like if they are just floating and going into the sump they are probably not alive anymore, in any case I would leave them. If they are dead then this will help with your cycle and if they are alive then your cleanup crew collection has already begun.

 

[rngrjeremy]

sorry forgot to post pics
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[fish scales2]

I think they are alive, good.

 

[rngrjeremy]

the ones in the rock are alive... are they bristle worms? should i be concerned?

 

[fish scales2]

They are good as long as there population does not get too out of hand, if the population explodes then it typically a sign of overfeeding. They can bite as well as stick their bristles into your skin, both of which the consequenses SUCK. Really they are a beneficial organism and integral part of your clean up crew, eating leftover food and waste. If they make you uncomfortable and creep you out just drop them in the sump.

 

[rngrjeremy]

i guess my concern is i am goign to have to have to move this rock around and get it arranged when i find more rock ( still looking for a ARC member to help me out ) and i dont want to get stuck or messed up. I guess gloves are the answer for now on when ever i handle live rock? i havent heard of anyone having to do this before... wth....

 

[llewella]

I use gloves all the time handling my rock because of bristle worms as well as sharp rocks. Especially when I am putting my hands where I cant see.

 

[drnecropolis]

Bristleworms are low on my list of things I worry about when moving rock.. Sepsis is high up there though..

 

[budsreef]

Bristle worms in the tank is good, bristle worms in the hand is bad. I always wear heavy rubber gloves anytime I'm moving rock and latex ones when I'm handling corals or doing just about anything else in or around the tank.

 

[nanonano]

Budsreef;483567 wrote: Bristle worms in the tank is good, bristle worms in the hand is bad. I always wear heavy rubber gloves anytime I'm moving rock and latex ones when I'm handling corals or doing just about anything else in or around the tank.

Yep same here.