JMArtist
10-08-2005, 08:03 AM
For the first time ever, I experienced the sight of seeing Planaria (Tiny White Worms) wiggling in my 20 gallon Angel Fish Tank. Naturally I freaked out, not knowing exactly what it was.
I researched here and online to find out. The problem has been taken care of now, but I thought that I would share some info on it that I found online.
I do remember seeing someone here ask the question on what these tiny white worms were.
Planaria are flatworms, related to flukes and tapeworms. They are quite small, and if examined closely have eyespots as well as protrusions from the sides of their heads.
The Real Problem
Even though Planaria do not harm fish, they are an indicator that the aquarium has a problem. They require a food source, which means there must be excess food wastes in the tank to support them.
If you have Planaria it's time to give your aquarium a thorough cleaning.
Pay particular attention to the substrate, as that's usually where they find their food. Make sure there are no dead plants, or other wastes in the tank.
You should also take a hard look at how much you are feeding your fish. Usually the excess waste the Planaria are living on is the result of overfeeding your fish. Reduce the amount you feed your fish, as well as the frequency of feedings.
Finally, once you've cleaned things up, be sure to continue with regular maintenance and water changes. A clean tank is the best defense against becoming overrun with Planaria.
Now, the only thing that don't make sense is that I had the tank for over 4 yrs now and that I gravel vac this tank once a week also. I don't think I overfeed the fish at all. I was wondering, could they infest and feed off the drift wood in the tank and go unnoticed that way???
Any thoughts on that any one?
And since Planaria are related to fluke, would Fluke Tads work on them?
I did in fact take the wood out and boiled it, luckily this piece of wood is small enough to fit into a large pot...good thing know one came home to see me doing this..they might have though it was dinner.....
I researched here and online to find out. The problem has been taken care of now, but I thought that I would share some info on it that I found online.
I do remember seeing someone here ask the question on what these tiny white worms were.
Planaria are flatworms, related to flukes and tapeworms. They are quite small, and if examined closely have eyespots as well as protrusions from the sides of their heads.
The Real Problem
Even though Planaria do not harm fish, they are an indicator that the aquarium has a problem. They require a food source, which means there must be excess food wastes in the tank to support them.
If you have Planaria it's time to give your aquarium a thorough cleaning.
Pay particular attention to the substrate, as that's usually where they find their food. Make sure there are no dead plants, or other wastes in the tank.
You should also take a hard look at how much you are feeding your fish. Usually the excess waste the Planaria are living on is the result of overfeeding your fish. Reduce the amount you feed your fish, as well as the frequency of feedings.
Finally, once you've cleaned things up, be sure to continue with regular maintenance and water changes. A clean tank is the best defense against becoming overrun with Planaria.
Now, the only thing that don't make sense is that I had the tank for over 4 yrs now and that I gravel vac this tank once a week also. I don't think I overfeed the fish at all. I was wondering, could they infest and feed off the drift wood in the tank and go unnoticed that way???
Any thoughts on that any one?
And since Planaria are related to fluke, would Fluke Tads work on them?
I did in fact take the wood out and boiled it, luckily this piece of wood is small enough to fit into a large pot...good thing know one came home to see me doing this..they might have though it was dinner.....