Need some advice on water change.

[hellisearth]

Hi guys/girls,

Would just like your inputs on what i'm about to do.

Situation:
I have a 224 gallon tank with one arowana, one knife fish and few other small fishes in it. Recently I noticed my sump filter at the bottom where the sponges are located, I noticed there were some worm like creatures (not any longer than 1cm) moving about, only managed to see a few, which i have sucked it out from the sump filter. I did not throw the sponge or what, just siphoned out some water and the worms together, currently I don't see any moving about, but am afraid there might be more in between the sponges.

My questions are:

1. Is this a harmful parasite? Should i be worried?
2. Would it be a good idea, to throw all sponges away from the sump filter, and do a through cleanup (taking all water out from the sump filter and scrubbing it clean).
3. If I do step 2 above, would there be any consequences to my fish?

My only solution so far, is to do a 50% water change in the main tank and do a 100% water change in the sump where the filter is located (this includes throwing away old sponges and cleaning the whole sump filter thoroughly. However, im still in the learning process of fish keeping, I would really appreciate the advice of anyone, on how could I resolve this problem without harming my fish. And would it be a good idea to clean the whole sump filter as mentioned?

In desperate need for advice.

Thanks loads.

 

[deeda]

It is not advisable to replace all the sponges in the sump because that is where your beneficial bacteria is living.

It's possible what you are seeing is planaria, nematodes or leeches. Can you get a clear picture of them and post it so we can help identify them?

It could also be a larval form of an insect that is native to your country so without a picture, it will be difficult to identify.

Excess food that might accumulate in the sump will cause an outbreak or excess of pests in the tank or sump.

What is your normal water change frequency and percentage?

How often do you clean the sump filter sponges?

 

[hellisearth]

Hi Deeda,

I don't think it's planaria or nematodes, as i've googled these creatures up, and it doesn't look like those. It looks more like a leech like or larvae kinda creature. I can't show any pictures now, as yesterday I siphoned some water out of the sump tank, along with all the creatures that I could see. Currently this morning I don't see any moving around, im just afraid, that there might be more in my sponges.

There shouldn't be any excess food, because 5 mins after my fish doesn't eat (usually they eat all), I would scoop the uneaten food out of the tank.

My normal water change is 20-30% every week. Water is a bit cloudy tho, despite the frequent water changes.

Sump filter sponges, has never been cleaned. I only change the "white sponge" which is the top layer. Thats all, the other 3 layers below (green and black) i do not touch them. Should I clean them too?

Okay so it's not adviceable to clan the tank. What should I do here? Do i need to be worried? Or frequent water changes would do?

Also I noticed my Arowana opening and closing it's mouth, like gasping for air kinda thingy. I've googled that up too, and they said it could be due to lack of oxygen or over feeding. I didn't feed it for a day but it was still the same, i've increased oxygen circulation in the tank (currently have 3 oxygen bubbles, tank filter and a wave maker). The arowana is healthy tho, very very active and feeds well. Is this something to worry about?

 

[pops]

cloudy water suggests none cycled tank, what do your water tests read? especially the nitrate and ammonia. or may suggest not enough bio filtration cousing (SP) bacteria bloom in the tank.