parasite problem..

[at7447]

i've recently noticed that my 150g tank is infested with hairline (width) white worms. They cover the back wall but don't seem to be bothering the fish. My two fish (umbees) are very healthy and active but I'm concerned because this is the first time i've ever experienced these parasites let a lone the amount of them. Could it be due diet or temperature related? I do 40 % water changes weekly.

Their diet consist of mainly hikari gold pellets, krill, raw shrimp and spiralina. The temperature is roughly 84 degrees.

Should i be worried? Is there any products out there to get rid of these guys?

thanks

 

[CLDarnell]

Hello!

How long has the tank been up and running? These guys seem pretty common shortly after a tank cycles. Do you use a gravel vac? Keep up the water changes and clean the gravel and they should go away pretty quickly.

 

[at7447]

the tank has been up for only 1 month and i do not have a gravel vacuum (i will get one asap). Thanks for the quick reply

 

[CLDarnell]

You're welcome. When you look into a gravel vac, check out a Python or Aqueon's equivalent. You will learn to love having one when you do your water changes!

Good luck!

 

[aclockworkorange]

If they arent attached to the fish like anchor worms, it sounds like planaria, which are harmless. Usually disappear with proper tank maintenance.

 

[Hot Slime]

Most likely planarias, there harmless though. Just not very plesent to look at, it usually goes away after a while as long as you keep up with maintenance.