ctenophore November 30, 2009 November 30, 2009 So I was cleaning out my sump a little while ago, and went to grab a purple acro frag. Turns out it wasn't an acro, but a really fat 4-5" bristle worm. My fingers looked like a chia pet (no I wasn't wearing gloves). Anyway, not sure how many of you all know this, but bristle worm spines are calcium carbonate based, so they readily dissolve in acid. I made up a quick 20:1 solution of water:muriatic acid and instant relief. The spines dissolved in about a minute. No swelling, little pain- just be sure not to rub them until they've had a chance to dissolve a little. Hope this helps someone out there when you inevitably get nailed by one of these things. I think full strength vinegar would work too, I was out of vinegar though.
davelin315 November 30, 2009 November 30, 2009 Vinegar works great, too. I pour it on for about 30 seconds and then rinse my hands in it. Fortunately for me, I don't react to bristle worm bristles and feel no pain, it just looks funny!
GaryL December 1, 2009 December 1, 2009 So I was cleaning out my sump a little while ago, and went to grab a purple acro frag. Turns out it wasn't an acro, but a really fat 4-5" bristle worm. moby worm!!
OUsnakebyte December 1, 2009 December 1, 2009 I'm having sympathy pains right now... Hey - where do you get your muriatic acid from? Home Depot?
Origami December 1, 2009 December 1, 2009 Hey - where do you get your muriatic acid from? Home Depot? I get mine at Lowe's. It's in the paint department, along with the paint thinner and other chemicals. 1 gallon plastic jug ~$7 or so. It's very strong stuff, though. Be careful with it and read up on it if you're not already familiar with handling strong acids.
Brian Ward December 1, 2009 December 1, 2009 I'm having sympathy pains right now... Hey - where do you get your muriatic acid from? Home Depot? They usually have it - you use it to clean concrete before doing an epoxy coating. It's probably in the paint section.
ctenophore December 1, 2009 Author December 1, 2009 Yes, Home Depot. They store it outside though, at least the Aspen Hill store. Last time I got it, it was just outside the second (back) door to the greenhouse portion of the store.
chucelli December 1, 2009 December 1, 2009 (edited) is it just the physical irritant of the bristles or is there some type of toxin in the bristles? Every time I get poked, my skin turns red and burns. I tried soaking in full strength vinegar a couple times to no avail. Edited December 1, 2009 by chucelli
dschflier December 1, 2009 December 1, 2009 That is excellent info. I have gotten the spines in me and never would have thought of that. I will use that.
Mountaineer December 2, 2009 December 2, 2009 OUCH! Did you at least get the bugger out? Yes, great info that I hope I don't need to use.
ctenophore December 2, 2009 Author December 2, 2009 Heck no. That thing probably lays a million eggs a month to feed my corals.
jason the filter freak December 2, 2009 December 2, 2009 There is another solution you can try, just a few simple steps 1. Open your fridge 2. Stick your hand in for 15 seconds or so 3. Reach around until you grab a cold beer 4. Open beer, drink, repeat, man up and feel the burn.
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