OK wtf is in my tank.

[adamstv]

Over the last week i have noticed that in my gravel there are weird ass worm looking things. I know its not ich tomonts b/c they are about 3/4 of an inch long. They cant swim but try to climb the glass to no success. I picked one out of the tank and it just crmbled between my fingers. WTF are these things. And are they dangerous.

 

[cichlaguapote]

research planeria... could be that?

 

[guppy]

Can you get a pic? Are they round or flat, segmented like earth worms or smooth like nematodes? Do they seem to have legs? What color are they? could they be..., this is a tubifex worm (pfoto by warrenphotograpic)

 

[adamstv]

they look round and are a pale pink with a red line through them.... ill get a pic.

 

[fishcatch22]

they look round and are a pale pink with a red line through them.... ill get a pic.

based on the pic, I think you have tubifex worms. I have a similar problem except mine are white.

my advice is don't sweat it. they're harmless. in fact, they make great food for your fish. just dig 'em up and let them have at them!

 

[filiportela]

wow that sounds bad...

 

[RadleyMiller]

You could treat with salt and gravel vacs but you wont get everything unless you break down the tank.

 

[Aardvark1]

Must be the short crumbly worm, Crumblus Shortus, Guaranteed to drive fish keepers crazy!

 

[guppy]

They do sound like tubifex, great food for small fish, cories and many loaches go nuts for them.

 

[fishcatch22]

They do sound like tubifex, great food for small fish, cories and many loaches go nuts for them.

yep, most anything 3" and under love them.