worms?

[exhumed07]

ok i noticed a bunch of tunnels along the glass in my substrate in my planted tank. i thought maybe it was from baby snails or something, but decided to take a closer look with a powerful lense that i have and i noticed something moving inside the tunnels. they are like some kinda flatworm is seems like. it's like a tiny white/silver ribbon. now keep in mind these tunnels are only about as big around as a sewing needle. has anyone else ever seen these or know what they may be?

 

[Fuzz16]

are they fuzzy or slimy? cant tell from the picture. i have seen the white worms in planted tanks but never darker ones. the white ones i wouldnt worry about bc they end up food, but if they overrun your tank i would begin getting more worried

 

[exhumed07]

these ar like clear. they stay inside the tubes they make and i cannot get a picture of them. that pic i used a high powered lens and then zoomed my camera into the magified image to get that pic. the only way i can tell where they are at is if i look realy close at the ends i can sometimes see them moving around. but it's nearly impossible to see them. and u can't see them with the naked eye. u can only see the tunnels they make. i've been looking all over the place to try to fin out what they are and so far no luck. right now i just kinda see them like bristle worms in saltwater. harmless and good for cleaning up excess stuff. if i was to try to rid them of the tank i don't think it would be possible. i'd have to tear down the entire tank and start from scratch with everything new i belive and i'm not about to do that lol.

 

[achase]

Strange. I think unless bad things start happening in your tank I won't worry.
Starting your tank over would be depressing...

 

[exhumed07]

i have lost 2 bolivian rams but they were kinda goofy when i bought them and think maybe they starved. but besides that everything else is doing great in the tank and i have been trying to look to see if they are transfering onto the fish and have noticed nothing so far. guess i'll just have a more diverse environment for my fish lol

 

[achase]

Fish can be so strange sometimes! You try to help them but you can't do anything unless they help themselves (ie. eat).
Diverse environments are always good! Lol. I must admit I'm super curious about the worms...hmmm.

 

[masterbaiter]

That's really wierd. I once had worms in my tank. Lost everything. I suggest a full-cleanse. Be careful not to feed too often. Dispose of worms in a sanitary container. I dried my worm remains and burned it in a 55 gallon drum...You can never too careful. RIP worm scum!!! I hope this helps. Good Luck!!

 

[exhumed07]

Im letting them go to see what happens. all the fish were free and that's my only concern if they die. im not emotionally attached to my fish. i want to provide a good home for them yes but having something like this happen im not afraid to experiment and let things happen. im out of town right now and my tanks are left unattended for a week. im more worried about fish happening to die while im gone then worms. i got a ram in one tank not looking good and a cichlid not looking good in my 55. curious as to what ill be coming home too.