2006-12-11 11:49:52 · 5 answers · asked by Schooling fish is my favorite 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
How do I vaccum my tank?
2006-12-11 11:58:03 · update #1
sorry "grave"
2006-12-11 11:58:35 · update #2
No, they are aquatic worms knows as Planaria. They will not crawl out and they are not harmful to your fish. However, they show that something is wrong with the tank, usually that the water is very dirty.
Are you doing water changes? You should be changing 20-40% of the water each week, and vacuuming the gravel.
Are you overstocked? The 1 inch per gallon rule is pretty bogus. Fish like goldfish and plecos are poop machines and rapidly foul up a tank.
Look into these factors, address them, and you will get rid of those nasty little worms.
2006-12-11 11:53:12 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yep, it's planaria. They are caused by dirty gravel and overfeeding. Start doing regular gravel maintenance and cut back a bit on the amount you're feeding to get rid of them, but don't stress out in the meantime. They won't crawl out and they're not bad for the fish.
The gravel vacuums are sold at any petstore or fish shop. They look like this:
http://www.petstore.com/ps_viewitem.aspx?idproduct=LE11549
The inexpensive ones start up by either pumping them up and down in the water for a while or by fully submerging them until all the air bubbles are gone from the tubing. You put the skinny end into an empty container to catch the water. The fat end you gently push into the gravel, then pull back up. You'll be able to see the scum rising up out of the gravel and getting sucked away in the tubing. Move slowly and steadily. Don't forget to keep an eye on the container the water is draining into or you'll make a mess. (I learned that the hard way, haha.)
Vacuuming the gravel will remove water from the tank that you need to replace so set out a container of clean tap water the night before to bring it to room temperature. There's no need to take out more than 20% of your water at a time; it's less likely to stress your fish that way. The first couple of times, the gravel might still seem dirty by the time you've gotten that much water out. Vacuum everyday for a while until it's coming clean. When you're done vacuuming, you treat the water you got ready and pour it in. Done.
This will not only get rid of the worms after a while, but will greatly reduce the risks of your fish contracting other diseases and parasites.
Good luck!
2006-12-11 22:37:46 · answer #2 · answered by ceci9293 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
white worms will die in your tank after a few days... If you have bottom feeders like loach, cory cat, pleco, or any catfish, you're fine.. They will eat them all.
Vacuum siphon is how you can vacuum your tank. go to the fish store.
2006-12-11 21:25:51 · answer #3 · answered by professorminh 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Clean your tank.
2006-12-11 19:55:36 · answer #4 · answered by troubled 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i think it wouldn't why?
2006-12-11 19:52:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋