Free-swimming tiny white worms

[jschall]

I'm fishless cycling a 75 gallon. I've noticed there are some tiny (maybe 4mm long, very thin) worms that sort of swim around by thrashing their bodies around (they kind of make an S shape, then reverse it into a backwards S shape, then repeat.) Rarely they attach to the glass.

When I first started cycling, I added a very small amount of flake food as recommended by a fishless cycling guide. I assume this is feeding my worm population.

My question is, what are these? Are they just harmless planaria? Could they be parasitic? Will they harm my mbuna in any way?

Originally I thought these were probably insect larvae, but now I'm pretty sure they're worms. They must've come in on my rocks, which I admittedly didn't bleach or boil, just powerwashed.

 

[prskiller]

Likely planeria. I prefer the ammonia fishless cycle but planeria will not harm your tank.

http://www.algone.com/fishless_cycling.php

 

[its_an_obsession]

most likely planeria. ive had a planeria outbreak or two and nothin bad ever happened. just kinda unsightly.

 

[jschall]

Likely planeria. I prefer the ammonia fishless cycle but planeria will not harm your tank.

http://www.algone.com/fishless_cycling.php

To clarify, I did not use fish food alone to cycle the tank. That would be REALLY stupid and messy. I added a tiny amount (about one flake) to ensure the bacteria would have any trace elements they needed.

 

[fishman646]

PLANARIA and if you have it that means your water is healthy

 

[aeri]

nematodes?

 

[waterturtle]

Hi,
I too have white worm like creatures these have a thicker part at the head, and sound like yours-
My water is testing shows that the water quality is good; However I now also have a couple of sick fish in my tank after adding new fish from a shop - I foolishly didnt quarenteen first!!! I have so far treated the water twice with promethyasul
yet these white worm fellas have survived and the fish are no better, Are they part of the problem or maybe Ok??
Any help will be apreciated! Im worried that there are a multitude of illnesses going on as some sort of fungus killed a couple, two now have bloated tummies- many have a dark-ish grey line around individual scales... Please help!
In this tank I have Gouramis, a pleco and 2 suckercats and Its so saddening to have them sick n dying and to not know what to do!

regards waterturtle

 

[d3no5]

I have had those wormy things before too but they soon disapeared without any harm.
But - hey waterturtle - watch your temperatures and the temperature differences during night and day. Winter in Australia now can see some illnesses with fishes. Try using Melafix or other similar treatments in your tank now if your fish are sick as.

 

[Finalfire9]

They taste great with ketchup

 

[little guppy]

PLANARIA and if you have it that means your water is healthy