Worms in filter pad?

[Sean_Buckley]

In my 45 gallon turtle/convict cichlid tank, there is worms in the filter pads. They are about the thickness of a mechanical-pencil lead (about twice as thick as this: - )
They squirm around, and twist. I have seen 'shells' of them, I assume dead ones, on the glass, and in the filter pipes. What are these? Also, in the same tank, I have little red, mite-looking things on the waters surface. They just bounce around. Are the two connected?
Sean

 

[WILDER]

Do they look like any of these.
http/edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_FA091

 

[Barday]

I was cleaning my filter today and found exactly the same thing! This is the first time I have had worms in any of my tanks so i'm not 100% sure how to deal with it.

I assume that they are planeria (sp) and as my mum feeds that tank I can only assume it is due to overfeeding!

So what do i do?

I was thinking of not feeding the fish today, and tomorow feed just peas and cucumber.

If they were in the tank the fish would eat the worms, but since they are in the filter will they breed in there and just multiply?

Thanks for any help

 

[Sean_Buckley]

Actually, ya, the ones on the glass look EXACTLY like the first pic in that link.
Sean

 

[Barday]

Anyone??