I have a beta in a five gallon filtered tank. I have noticed some really tiny, thin strands floating about in the water, not a lot, just three to five that I have seen at a given time. They are really thin and translucent, but they don't seem to move on their own, yet I'm not really sure. They are swept away by the current of the filtered water dropping from above. My beta seems fine: he eats; he flares up all the time; his gills seem fine; I don't see any of the little strands on his body. I just want to make sure it's not some sort of parasite. I have bought the fizzling tablets for the parasites (Parasite Clear) but haven't used them; I just bought in case they were parasites. If they are, and I need to use them, do you know if I drop the dosage right in the thank with the fish?
P.S. I had three balloon mollies previously in that tank, but they passed. I did change the water, but didn't vacuum the gravel. Could the strands be left over mollies poop?
2007-06-22 08:46:57 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
It's more likely a harmless nematode (type of worm) that's usually found in aquariums. If you ever get the chance, take a sample of water from the gravel somethime (complete with "gunk" and look at it under the microscope. While the bacteria do most of the work in breaking down excess wastes, there are plenty of other microorganisms that live there and help out.
It could also be the young larvae of a midge (a type of terrestrial fly that lays it's eggs in the water, similar to a mosquito - the larvae can get up to an inch+ long, and are usually either red or off-white, but may be transparent at first - again, not a problem and your betta will even eat these).
Unless you see the worms attaching to your fish, or he shows signs of illness, I wouldn't bother treating for them. Just let your fish enjoy the variety in his diet.
2007-06-22 09:45:39 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
white stringy poop coming from a fish is a sign of an internal parasite. watch your betta to make sure hes not pooping out white stringy stuff. you should gravel vac and do a partial water change to see if that helps.
2007-06-22 08:51:59 · answer #2 · answered by Kerri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are over 1000 forms of algee and one is hair algee this could be it keep it away from any light and change water every other day
2007-06-22 09:12:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋