Thread Like Worms?

H8Parrotfish 13

H8Parrotfish 13

I kill Parrotfish for your own good
Nov 27, 2002
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Ever since my Pleco died i've had a huge boom in algae growth. Its from light green to a blackish green. But I noticed that there were like pieces of thread stuck on the glass on the algae. I thought it was tread from my algae mitt. It moved and I noticed that it crawls all over the algae. And there's more than one.

Also, In my 75 every time i start up my HOT magnum the same thread like worms? expel out of the filter.

What are these? Are they good - bad?

Please let me know

Thanks
 
Most likely it's just Planaria, which is normal microfauna in a tank. They tend to get more abundant as you get more dissolved solids in your tanks (gravel). I have noticed a major decrease in the numbers I had in my 55 gallon when I changed to sand. Food can't accumulate as easily inside the substrate with sand, and also there is much less oxygen in the sand than in gravel. This contributes to less planaria, in my experience. If my fish notice them, they usually even eat a few! Free food!:)

I think every established tank has some, to some degree. It's just a matter of whether conditions are permitting them to truely flourish and get to noticeable numbers.

Your Pleco was probably getting some of the food that is now contributing to algae growth and planaria proliferation. I'd suggest getting another scavenger (some type of bottom feeder) as well as decreasing feedings, while increasing gravel vacuum frequency. Keep the tank extra clean and they will eventually drop down to reasonable numbers. I never did completely get rid of my noticable amounts until I changed to sand. I still have some, though, just not really noticeable now.
 
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