White Worm

[Brendan Payze]

Have an 800lt tank and seem to have a problem with a small squiggly transparent worm , on cleaning sand , under rocks and sump etc they come out , i believe they are harmless , have tried normal salt , but no success . Please help

[veegal]

Hi Brendan and welcome to TASA!

Read this thread as the same problem was discussed here http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?t=566&highlight=white+worms

Let me know if you need further info.

[Brendan Payze]

Hi

Thanks , have done a good gravel clean and water change , but they seem to settle in the second compartment of the sump amongst the filter medium and also the carbon bags , they love . One would have to do a complete sump clean , but don't want to risk loosing bateria , probably new everything , and that would not guarantee all would be gone.

[veegal]

How long has your tank been set up for???? Is there a reason you have the carbon bags in there? Removing medication or anything?

[Brendan Payze]

Tank has been set up for nearly 5 months , they guy who modified it suggested the carbon to polish the water?? giving it a very shiny look. Had a huge ammonia problem at the begining, but been perfect since then. When its running none can been seen , just when cleaning the sand & water change, its not copius amounts but they are irratating. Got the sand with the tank , rinsed it thoroughly, got rocks and fish from another friend , he never had any , so conclusion came with the sand, should have maybe boiled it for a few minutes or new sand. Some suggested salt , not iodised?

[chas84]

Try adding some loaches (like Pakistani loaches) and Corydoras to your tank. The loaches do well with finding anything edible, so do the Cory's.

Depending on what other fish you have, also consier Geophaugs sp. cichlids. The Geophagus cichlids "sift" the sand (Geophagus literally means Earth eaters). Be aware though that they're not very "Plant friendly" and will uproot/ expose the plants.

Gourami's also do a good job "foraging" for food and will enjoy the odd little worm.

If the worms aren't causing any harm, see them as part of your mini eco system - it's what aquariums are all about.