What is in my tank

[ToriParker]

So I have an axolotl tank, with just Lucifer in.

I have some Java fern, hornwort, a cave and then some driftwood with Java moss on. Oh an a moss ball.

I have not added anything new to this tank at all in over a month or two, but suddenly today realised there are really small snails and some weird white things in my tank??

Does any one know what they are and how they got there?

Will they be a problem?

 

[WhistlingBadger]

The snails are harmless and can even be beneficial. The other critters are hydras. They are bad news as they'll eat small fish and fry. You should start removing them by hand, being careful not to break them (the broken parts can grow into new hydra). Your axolotl might eat them, too...I'm not sure. They shouldn't hurt him, but I'd still recommend getting rid of them before they find their way into your tanks, if you have any.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

If you can remove your axolotl and plants, you can heat the tank up to around 105F, which will kill the hydras. Once the tank has reduced back to normal temp, add an airstone and put the plants and axolotl back in.