Small worm like things in tank?

[Redbled]

I have 2 55 gallon tanks. Both currenlty have very small worm type of looking things that really don't move, but rather just cling to the side of the tank and the decorations. I've treated one of the tanks twice with clout, both times thinking it would solve the problem. In my oscar tank, both times it seemed to help the fish and bring it back from deaths door. But the problem keeps coming back. I've had first for 10 years now and have never seen anything like this with such visiable signs. One thing I wonder is about 2 months ago, I lost a large pleco in each tank and have yet to replace them. Wondering if the little things were always there and I was just never seeing them if the pleco was eating them? Anyway, let me know if I need to give more info. I raised the temp in the tank from 70 to 76 or so thinking it might help about 2 days ago.

 

[newbie hob]

i had the very same thing few days ago which led me to strip and sanitize my tank, but i was haste by doing that.
If what you have is like i have had, it is harmless, all you have to do is dont feed your fish for a day and then just feed them the minimal the day after, they should disapear eventualy.
you might want to check this thread http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=72101

 

[SirMinion]

Planarin worms. Harmless but icky.

various species shown here...
(larger than actual size.. thank heavens!)

 

[Redbled]

Thanks much, I'll avoid feeding for a couple of days. I didn't think I was one to overfeed, I'm usually very careful. I'm wondering still if they would have come sooner if not for the large plecos I had in each tank? BTW, mine are a thin, dark brown looking little worm, doesn't really look like any of those, but I hope that's all it is.

 

[Redbled]

One more thing, for the past week or two, my tiger oscar has been rubbing on the bottom of the tank, injuring himself. I've seen this before with fish, and its usually seemed to be a parasite, but I've clouted the tank twice to no avail. If these worm things aren't the cause, I wish I could figure out what is.

 

[Redbled]

I haven't fed the tanks for 3 days now, and the small worms are still there. How long should I go without feeding? My Oscars are tearing the place up in anger

 

[jflowers]

You can start feeding again, just enough for your fish though and try and remove any uneaten food. The worms will disappear in the end.

Jon

 

[Redbled]

Super, thanks Jon, they appear to be leaving already.