WHAT IS THIS THING IN MY TANK?!?!?!

[mrsjoannh13]

I have a 20g newly planted (still fishless) tank. It's been set up about 3 weeks. Today. I noticed 3 small white things on the back wall of the tank. At first I thought they were little specs of lint. Then I saw one of them MOVING! What in the world is this? There are only plants and spider wood in the tank - no livestock at this point. Sand is substrate which was washed well before putting down.

Anyone know what this is? Anything to be concerned about? Should I be doing anything to remove them?

 

[eatyourpeas]

Somehow I can't play the video. Do they look like fleas?

 

[mrsjoannh13]

Somehow I can't play the video. Do they look like fleas?

No, they are white and very small - about a half inch long, maybe less. They look like small pieces of lint or maybe thread? This is the best photo I could get.

 

[eatyourpeas]

Could be detritus worms. If so, it just means there is enough debris in the substrate. Plant decay can contribute to this. Look them up and if they match yours, there is nothing to worry about. They are harmless but will indicate it is time to do some housekeeping when you have fish. If you do not overfeed, they'll disappear on their own.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Planaria?

One moment, please...

 

[mrsjoannh13]

Here's an extreme zoomed in close up. I don't think it has the triangular shaped head - so maybe not Planaria? From what I'm reading on the internet that's a good thing, right? It may be just detritus worms but can anyone verify? I don't have shrimp or fish in the tank yet and don't want to treat anything I don't have to. I just want to make sure they will not be harmful to shrimp or fish.

 

[eatyourpeas]

It could be rhabdocoela, or some sort of nematode. They are attracted to waste, so keep an eye on them. They won't hurt anything and a small number is just part of your ecosystem.

 

[Slaphppy7]

It's a detritus worm, don't fret over it, a treat for when you get fish...

 

[mrsjoannh13]

It's a detritus worm, don't fret over it, a treat for when you get fish...

That's what I kind of thought looking at photos online. I don't see the triangular head.

Will shrimp eat these? I was planning to get a few amano soon.

 

[Slaphppy7]

That's what I kind of thought looking at photos online. I don't see the triangular head.

Will shrimp eat these? I was planning to get a few amano soon.

Doubtful, shrimp are scavengers, but fish love them.