2007-05-19 09:27:19 · 7 answers · asked by pepsihottie 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
They could be either planaria as another answer suggests, or the larvae of a small flying insect, like a midge. Either way they are harmless to your fish and odds are high your fish will eat them. Try using a glass scraper to remove them from the glass and siphon what you can out of the tank. Changing the filter cartridge would also be a good idea as small flies often breed there if they can get to it.
MM
2007-05-19 09:44:03 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If they're small and white, they're planaria. Although they aren't harmful to fish, they're a sign that trouble is brewing in your aquarium. They appear in tanks where there is overfeeding and ammonia is building up or the gravel is not being vacuumed well.
Getting rid of them can be a pain. Medications have been unsuccessful. You can remove all your fish and raise the temperature in the tank to 95 degrees for 24 hours.
If they're really high in numbers, you may need to strip down the tank and boil pieces...or even bleach them.
Long term solutions are apple snails and or whiptail catfish who will eat planaria. For a short term problem, bettas and kribs (kribensis cichlids) will eat planaria.
2007-05-19 09:44:00 · answer #2 · answered by Barb R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a parasite. check your fish to make sure none are attached to them. if they are, transfer your fish to a hospital tank (if you have one, if not, treat the whole tank) and treat the fish for the parasite. I would do a 100% clean on the tank, yes, it's not usually a good idea to do a 100% clean on it, it can stress out your fish, but it is the best way to get rid of an infestation like that. Get a cycling additive, like Cycle, its great, and dramatically reduces your cycling time. Amost overnight, it should be better. keep a close eye on the tank to make sure they don't come back. Treat with aquarium salt (yes, freshwater aquarium salt unless you have snails or puffers or any other type of scale-less fish) Also, listen to the people that have other ideas too, most of the people here know what they're talking about.
Good luck, hope you get rid of them!!!
2007-05-19 09:38:48 · answer #3 · answered by Silver Thunderbird 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are they really worms?
If so, I remember reading a few days ago that many people end up having them, but since they are harmless, no one bothers to identify them or figure out just what they are.
Some medium-sized fish should get rid of them if you want them gone.
2007-05-19 09:35:27 · answer #4 · answered by Contemplate Silence 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those little white worms are called planaria. They are present in most aquatic systems and are harmless. However the fact they are in great enough quantities for you to notice suggests your water is dirty. I would recommend uping your water change routine and feeding less.
2007-05-19 09:35:55 · answer #5 · answered by 11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a saltwater tank they might be brissel worms and those are bad
2007-05-19 10:27:40 · answer #6 · answered by KrAzY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that would be fish poop.
2007-05-19 09:34:59 · answer #7 · answered by windshadow2007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋