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((I feel pretty stupid since I have posted about this problem a couple of times recently, but realized just this morning that I was not watching closely enough.))
I thought that I had some type of light colored, or white, algae or fungus in my aquarium (tiny dots and strings), and was trying to figure it out (with no luck). I have the day off and decided to look very closely at this stuff. These "strings" have always swayed a little, and I stupidly assumed that they were moving with the water current, but they are not. They are microscopic worms that are crawling on the glass. I'm disgusted with myself for not seeing this sooner. What is this? And what should I do to get rid of it? I have Columbian Tetras and Clown Loaches, so I need to be careful with meds. I pretty freaked out. Please help! Thanks.
Kari

KariLynn,

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of an exploding planaria population!

Planaria do not harm fish, but indicate that the aquarium has a problem. You must have a good supply of uneaten food to support them.

Although your maintenance sounds great, you need to change a few things. Start by not feeding your fish for three or four days. During those days, give your aquarium a thorough Spring cleaning. Pay particular attention to the substrate, as that's usually where they find their food. Vaccuum the substrate as deep as you can to remove any uneaten food. Make sure there are no dead plants, or other wastes in the tank.

Once you have done daily water changes with vacuuming the substrate for three days, you can feed your fish, a tiny bit. Planaria need a food source and you may have given it to them by overfeeding your pets!



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Thanks Bob, I'll do as you say. Should I increase temp as well?
I am wondering about what to do with my 55 gal that is cycling right now. Obviously the Planaria transferred into it when I moved the plants on Monday. They are all over that tank, and there has been no food in it. Will the Planaria in the new tank die off soon? Should I throw out the plants that came from the two small tanks? There aren't many, and I wouldn't care one bit about losing them.
You don't think the worms have anything to do with my very old Tetras getting swim bladder?
Questions, questions.....maybe I'll be able answer a few one day!
Thanks again-
Kari

Also planaria make great food for guppies.

Chris

The planaria population in your 55 should die off without food. The die off should marginally help your tank to cycle. All those decaying critters adding ammonia!

Toss the plants if it makes you feel better but it probably won't make a difference. They may have brought the buggers in but it is like closing the barn door after the horses have left.

I doubt the planaria had anything to do with the swim bladder disease. However, your tank conditions may have contributed to the problem... just as the planaria found a food rich environment.



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright