Tubeworms help reduce nitrates and algae.

Tubeworms do a useful job

Tubeworms are quite a common sight in reef tanks, but, very few hobbyists realise what a useful role they play. Tubeworms are filter feeders, they use their feathery heads to trap tiny particles from the water column, and this provides a food source, and also building material for their tube. This is actually a very useful thing, and has a beneficial effect on the whole aquarium.

Less nitrates and less algae

Tubeworms are very good at trapping even tiny particles from the water, particles which are so small they may be missed by your filtration. A lot of these tiny particles are pieces of uneaten food, or fish waste, which may have already been through your powerheads and diced into tiny pieces. If these particles are left in the water column then they will eventually settle out and begin to decompose, clogging your sand bed, and the tiny pores in the surface of any live rock. If left to decompose like this these particles will create nitrates within the aquarium, and subsequently an increase in pest algae. Not only are these particles a source of nitrates, but, if they settle out and start to clog the sand bed and rockwork then that reduces the ability of the bacteria in the sand and rocks to deal with nitrates. So these particles are not only a source of nitrates, but, they also reduce your tank’s ability to process nitrates too. Filter feeders such as Tubeworms remove these particles from the water, so they are not left to decompose within the water, and cannot then clog your sand and rockwork.

Improved water clarity

As well as reducing nitrates, and consequently also reducing algae, Tubeworms improve water clarity when they trap these particles too. If you add enough Tubeworms (roughly 1 per 50 litres), then within just a few weeks there is usually a very noticeable difference in water clarity, helping to achieve that crystal clear water that we all strive for.