Tory

My 25 freshwater has only been up and running for about 5 weeks. The live plants are flourishing, there's baby mollies everywhere, things look good. However, I just noticed that there are what look to be small red/brownish worms growing out of my gravel. They're actually alive! It's the most disgusting thing I've ever seen.

What are they and how do I kill them? :

I don't have any pictures to post, as they're so small, they won't show up. They seem to be spreading. Yuck, help!

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!!! it could have been some hitchikers off your live plants, or something called planaria which is common for a new tank....getting a pic I know is tough, but it will help alot if you can...or try to google different planaria and see if thats what it is ...goodluck!

Tory

Thank you Shawnee. I took your advice and did some research. I have to say, the pictures online almost made my lunch revisit me.

The worms in my tank are very small and thin, about the width of a sewing needle. I'm goin to keep searching and hopefully can find some type of fish to add to my tank that will eat the little buggers. The thought of tearing down my tank and replacing all my plants and gravel fills me with dread.

I would appreciate any additional comments or suggestions as to what this might be and how to treat it. Thanks for the help!

HN1

What is your water change routine like? Most FW pests can be eliminated with clean water IME. Give the gravel a good vacuuming and increase your water changes (frequency &/or %).

Welcome to the site!

Butterfly

Usually these little worms over populate because of excess food in the substrate. As was said above a couple of good substrate vacuums and water changes will help get rid of them. Reducing feedings if over feeding will also help. A fishes stomach is approx the size of one eye so feeding accordingly may help. The fish may be eating all their food but if over fed there will be more waste.
I'm surprised your fish aren't munching on these, they are pure protein
Carol

Tory

I've been putting off any water changes because of all my Mollie babies. Didn't want to stress them out. Of course, I've also been overfeeding because of the babies. I was worried they wouldn't get enough food so I've been feeding twice a day, hoping enough food would get past the adults and make it to the babies hiding in the rocks and plants. Does this mean I can blame this whole mess on the babies? :-)

I'll cut back on the feedings and hope the fishies get hungry enough to go for the ugly worm things. They really are the stuff of nightmares! I'm surprised my catfish and cherry shrimp haven't been feasting on them.

HN1

Yep, it's the babies' fault! I know the worms that you're talking about for the same reason.

Butterfly

Yep we'll blame it on the babies
Carol

Chewyoda

It's definitely the babies fault.

fishpie

these things are annoying and hard to get rid of. Don't let them breed or there will be tons of them!