tiny white worms

[Moracai]

We have just discoved tiny white worms in the tank. They are long and thin and so small we only spotted them with an enlarging lens.
Any idea what these are? And if they are harmful?

I should add that we have MTS, spixi and ramshorns in the tank.

[SnailTrail]

They could be planaria which are harmless and indicate either overfeeding, leaving food in the tank for too long or your filter and substrate need a good going over.

I would do a 40% water change using a gravel vac....really getting deep into the substrate, take out the filter and clean it and the sponges in the water you've taken out of the tank...check the impellor is ok in the filter and none of the tubes are blocked. Then replace the 40% water you took out with treated tap water.

There's a really good site with photos of many beasties that occur in freshwater tanks but I can't remember if off hand. I'll add it later if I find it.

[Moracai]

Thanks for that. Will give the tank a good clean out on the weekend. Glad to know they are harmless. Thats a relief

[pheonixx]

I gave you a karma today because of suffering with worms LOL..did you find out what they were moracai let us know..Linda

[Moracai]

Still not sure what they are. Wish I could get a pic, but they are so teeny tiny!
Thanks for the karma

[LisaLQ]

We get them every now and again with having a very messy oscar They're apparently in everyone's tanks, it's just they only become apparent when you're overfeeding or the gravel needs a good clean out.

If you're made of money, a UV steriliser apparently shifts them, but if you're like me, a good clean out (gravel vac) should sort it - and making sure you dont over feed

[Moracai]

I do try not to over feed. It seems difficult with snails. I drop a tablet of food in, but not sure about taking extra out. I know with my fish I remove what they haven't eaten after about 10 minutes, but what do I do with just snails in the tank?