Bugs in Water Barrel

[jeff12]

http://i68.tinypic.com/140atjc.jpg

I found some of these in my barrel while filling it up today. How do I get rid of them? Should I drain the barrel again and fill the barrel again with different water?

[LizStreithorst]

I wouldn't worry about it. They're just bugs that went in for a drink and drowned. They will do no harm.

[jeff12]

I saw a couple of larvae eggs too.

[mee]

Bird poo I would worry about as it can carry parasites intended for fish. I haven't heard about this with bugs.. not saying it doesn't exist.. but I think it would be rare, and I think most of our fish eat bugs on the sly at times, especially in the summer months.

[jmf3460]

in the wild, your discus would likely eat this, I would just scoop it out and not worry about it.

[jeff12]

The thing is I've been seeing a couple of small flies around the house and did not know where they were coming from until I saw the barrel yesterday. Maybe the barrel is producing them?

[Akili]

To me it looks more like a Mosquito or Midge.If they they are midge no worries as it's larvae is Bloodworm. Not so good if it is a Mosquito

[jeff12]

I think theyre spawning in my water barrel. This is what I found.
http://i64.tinypic.com/2cnuw3o.png
I keep the water aerated all day. Could this have happened because I haven't cleaned my barrel in a while? How do I get rid of them and is it better if I cap the barrel?

[jmf3460]

yuck. idk how this could have happened but I always try to use my water within 2 days of filling my aging barrel. After that I usually dump (water flowers, garden, etc) and refill.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hmmm...fish food :p Jeff, take your barrel, dump out the water, wipe-down with a bit of white vinegar and rinse well.
Pat

[Keith Perkins]

I periodically clean mine with a bleach solution which should kill dang near anything that's in your reservoir. Let it completely air dry and your good to go.