whisper

Ok so I posted about a week ago about these worms. Now I see they are in another tanks also.. Aside from water changes which didn't work is there anything that can be put in the tanks like I'm thinking maybe salt that would kill the worms but not harm the shrimp or plecos that are in the tanks. I'm thinking now that they must have come in on the java moss that I bought and put in almost all my tanks.. If nothing works I will have to take the tanks all apart and start them over again. I know that someone said on another thread that the moss should be dipped in hot water before being put in the tanks but wouldn't that kill all the microorganisms that the shrimp like to eat? Please help. I'm desperate!

aquarist48

Hello Whisper. It sounds like planaria and the only way to get rid of them safely that I know of is by increasing your water changes and vacuuming for a while. Reduce the amount of food you're giving your fish. Over feeding is the cause.
Best of luck
The Trouble with Planaria Worms? by Majid Ali
Ken

TedsTank

sounds like planaria (flat worms) clean, clean, clean they will go away...too much food on the bottom is the usual cause.
Never heard of dipping plants in hot water. I just rinse mine real good in tap water, chlorine and all! Java moss is cool..occasional snail now and then.
There are other methods of cleaning, someone will be along with that info. Til then try checking our sticky's in the plants forums.

whisper

Ok thanks to both. I read the artical and printed it out. Will try something. It says that betta's will eat them. I may try putting one is the pleco tank although it says the pleco's will eat them too. Not the shrimp tank though. I think the betta would eat the shrimp.

Shawnie

white worms are nematodes and from over feeding and too little of gravel vacs usually...planaria is similar and more a tan color, but usually come from new tanks being set up...both can be cured from backing off the food and extra gravel vacs..NO meds or salt

whisper

Thanks Shawnie. No gravel in either tank. But there is moss in both. I'm thinking that the moss holds in the uneaten food. The shromp tank bottom is all moss so I think I'm going to have to take a lose on the moss in that tank and through it all away and clean the tank out really good. I'm thinking about putting one of my adult betta females in the pleco(abn juvies) tank and let her eat them. Both tanks are only 2.5 gals. Does that sound good or not?

Shawnie

moss can collect everything!! but its great for fry and other fishies....dont over clean the tank or you will cause a mini cycle...you can keep the moss..just take it out of the tank and give it a good rinse now and then..it cant be vacuumed so thats not going to help.....sounds good to me letting them eat them..

whisper

Ok I think I'll try the betta in the one tank then. As far as vacuuming goes I don't think I want to suck on the end of the hose and inhale a mouth full of worms so that's not even an option.LOL

Shawnie

why would you suck on the hose anyhow? in the smaller tanks you can use a turkey baster and in the bigger ones , this thread might help you 1-2-3 easy aquarium siphon instructions - video either way, no need to ever suck on the end

whisper

Oh yes I do use a baster sometimes but just thought it would be faster the other way but not going to do it while there are worms in it. Thanks for the video. I'll try it that way next time.

Shawnie

I do not blame ya

whisper

Well I basted the tank and put the big female betta in it. She seems to be picking around at stuff so we'll see in about a week if she gets them all ( or any)LOL.