Heidi125

Hi,
I noticed that I have very small white worms all over the glass in one of my aquariums.
What are they? How do I get rid of them?
Thanks

Heidi

Butterfly

Those are a type of planaria. Usually excess food in the substrate will cause a reproduction explosion and they will become apparent to the eye.
They are pure protein and your fish should love them. They are harmless to your fish but most people don't like to see them. To make them go away do a deep gravel vacuum and a large water change. You may have to do a couple of these a few days apart.
How often do you gravel vac? What is your water change schedule? what fish do you have in the tank?
Carol

Heidi125

I usually gravel vac. about once a week, and I do a 25% water change once a week. There are live plants in the tank.
I have 2 angel fish, 1 pleco 1 large apple snail and a couple hundred baby snails.
Thanks for the help.
Heidi

Butterfly

Thanks for tehe fast response. Frequently when feeding a pleco some of the food and poo sink into the gravel and planaria populations will just explode.
The vac and water change schedule is a good one but a deeper vac and larger water change at this time might help solve your problem. Cutting back on feeding is also a good measure to take.
Carol

Heidi125

Thank you for the help!