Ewwww...WORMS!!!

[swammy]

Ok, I don't know how long I've had this problem, but I just noticed as I did my tank cleaning. I took out all my decor for full cleaning, and did 2 water changes (30% each). After I did my water changes/gravel vacuming, I noticed that I have little white worms floating around my tank. As I looked more, I noticed more and more of them!! I am positive that they live under the gravel, as they never showed up until I was moving my gravel around. Anyone know what these are and how to rid my tank of them? I am thinking they are some sort of parasite....because they are very small (almost as thin as a hair). I am scared for the safety of my fish. All fish are listed in my signature. My most recent addition was my 2 Ottos. I am going to try and get a close up picture of a worm to post. In the meanwhile, please share your knowledge with a struggling amature!!!

Is it possible they were in the water I just added?? Please don't let that be the truth!!! I'm going to fill up a clear vase with water and see if that's true. Uggh.....Help me please!! Thank you in advance.

 

[barbiya]

I freaked out the first time I was those in my tank, as well. From what I've read on here, it sounds like planaria (sp?), and they are harmless. The other posts mention that overfeeding can be a cause.

The fish will eat them, maybe just cut back on food for a few days?

Good luck!

 

[swammy]

Thx bunches. I went out and bought 3 more platties. Worms are not visible no more. I hope they didn't just go back into the rocks. I also went out and bought some live plants to help with my filtration. We'll see how it goes. Thx again for the help.

Oh, Do you have any pics of your tuxedo platty?? Never seen one before, and I'd like to see.

 

[barbiya]

No, I don't have a decent camera at the moment, but the tuxedos are just orange platties with black through their middle, like front to back. That's what the fish store called them, anyway.

Glad the planaria problem has abated!

 

[tstenback]

my son's mollies love these guys and i have a cory that cant get enough of them when they are around. so cut back a bit on the food and the fish will probably help with the rest.

 

[tstenback]

my son's mollies love these guys and i have a cory that cant get enough of them when they are around. so cut back a bit on the food and the fish will probably help with the rest.

 

[henderg]

I first noticed similar looking worms (white, hair thin and a centimetre long) after I started using one of the magnetic glass cleaners. They seem to be scraped from the glass along with any algae. My Black Neon Tetras love them so I'm not too put out with them being there.

 

[Fiddlesticks]

Yeah planaria is harmless. Just a nuisence. I had them a few months ago, and was told I was feeding too much. Cut back on food, and do a couple more water changes and they will starve. I bet if you check your filter after your water changes you will see a bunch of dead ones in there. They seem to be able to avoid the filter while there alive. Hope this helps.

 

[swammy]

Well...thx for the advice, all. I got scared, and did a full tank cleaning. I performed a 50% water change, and pulled out all the gravel and cleaned it off real good. I didn't notice any worms, so I am thinking that my efforts were pointless. Well, not pointless.....the tank is VERY clean now...I also ended up getting rid of my live plants, because they litter my tank too much too fast. Guess what else I noticed while I was cleaning!?!? I had 2 snails in my tank. From what I have read on other posts, the snails will quickly take over my tank. Glad I caught them when I did. They probably snuck in on my plants. Anyways...thx for the advice, everyone. I appreciate you all. Especially you, tstenback...for your double posting emphasis (just giving you a hard time)...

Enjoy your day all!!

 

[sumer_kay]

Just becareful to watch your water readings for a few days after such extensive cleanings, you wouldn't want to recycle