Vermetid Snails Within an SPS Colony

Stray32 · 04/03/2009, 08:35 AM

It appears I have a few vermetids within one of my SPS colonies. Can't see them, but can definitely see their tell-tale strings. How do I get rid of these guys without affecting the coral?

kraze3 · 04/03/2009, 09:51 AM

You need to either break them off manually or put some glue over the end of thier hole. Ive been reading up on these guys a bit lately since ive seen alot of podts about them. Some people report hermits may break them off rock. Some say there are some fish that will take care of them. They all just seem to be lucky purchases. From what ive found the glue or beaking them off is the only way.

Sugar Magnolia · 04/03/2009, 09:57 AM

I've used the glue method, breaking them off at the base, (you have to get the whole thing or they'll rebuild their shell) and injecting them with boiling water. You'll need a very fine neeele to be able to stick it in their tiny hole. In your case, being that it's in the SPS colony, your best bet would be to put a dab of glue over the hole. Trying to break them off or injecting with boiling water may cause tissue damage to the SPS. Good luck!

04/03/2009, 08:35 AM	#1
Stray32 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Castle Shannon (Pittsburgh) PA Posts: 897	Vermetid Snails Within an SPS Colony It appears I have a few vermetids within one of my SPS colonies. Can't see them, but can definitely see their tell-tale strings. How do I get rid of these guys without affecting the coral? __________________ Thanks, Jared Current Tank Info: 75 gal mixed reef, 30 Gal Frag Tank

04/03/2009, 09:57 AM	#3
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	I've used the glue method, breaking them off at the base, (you have to get the whole thing or they'll rebuild their shell) and injecting them with boiling water. You'll need a very fine neeele to be able to stick it in their tiny hole. In your case, being that it's in the SPS colony, your best bet would be to put a dab of glue over the hole. Trying to break them off or injecting with boiling water may cause tissue damage to the SPS. Good luck! __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

04/03/2009, 09:51 AM	#2
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	You need to either break them off manually or put some glue over the end of thier hole. Ive been reading up on these guys a bit lately since ive seen alot of podts about them. Some people report hermits may break them off rock. Some say there are some fish that will take care of them. They all just seem to be lucky purchases. From what ive found the glue or beaking them off is the only way.