OMG worms!?!?!?!?

[fishymommy]

I was doing a big water change today and found some tiny worms living in my substrate. They were about 2-3 mm long, very skinny, sort of inched along, and had a pink color. Are these bad? If so, how do i get rid of them??

[travie]

How to get rid of them: [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

They are probably just eating leftover food in your substrate.

[cocoa_pleco]

do some extra water changes and feed less, they will disappear

[doug z]

I had the same thing..

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

They are harmless, from all accounts..

Mine went away by themselves about a week after they appeared, even before I added any fish (I was cycling at the time)..

Somewhere in the substrate, still, I guess..

[Sounguru]

You will always have some they are part of a healthy tank they are called detritus worms and eat the crud in your substrate. If you see large amounts floating in the water column you are overfeeding your tank because most of the time they will stay in the substrate.

They are also good fish food....

[fishymommy]

Ok thats good. I only saw them when i accidentally scooped up some substrate and dumped it in the sink. There were three or four of the little buggers wiggling in the sink bowl. I've never seen them in the water but I'll keep and eye out for them. Thank you for your help!! I'm glad they aren't nasty :o)