White Worms In My Tank?!

[DiddleBug]

I was changing my fish water today and noticed at least 5 white (almost clear) small wiggling worm things.  They swim vertically.  Are these guys dangerous?  Or do I just let them go? 

 

[WILDER]

Sounds like planaria worms which can be due to over feeding. There harmless.
Gravel vac and water change.

 

[thefishnoob]

If they are around 4 mm they might be planaria. But If they're much smaller then it might just be other smaller worms. Either way they are harmless.

 

[DiddleBug]

That's good to hear.  And it isn't because of over feeding. I have no fish right now-just live plants.  And I do 2 25% water changes each week. 

 

[bluesword23516]

It's from extra food in the tank. So maybe old roots are decaying. Should be fine.

 

[NeonTetraFish64500]

I used to have those worms in my goldfish tank. They were harmless and my goldfish ate them.

 

[DiddleBug]

Yeah, I've noticed my swordtail fry snacking on some.

 

[WILDER]

If your tank is infested with them they can become a problem As sometimes they will go to the fish gills.

 

[DiddleBug]

I haven't seen any for a while. That's good to know though.

 

[Alasse]

They are not harmless, as a member who just had an outbreak. (all my plants are still in quarantine to starve them out, also i am waiting on medication to kill them)
 
In numbers they will attack and kill shrimp and fish eggs, and can even kill the fish if they get into their gills.
 
It is not just overfeeding that can cause them either, check there is not a hidden area of mulm build up, under, behind. Just do your self a favour and have a good look.