*Advice needed* white worms floating in tank.

[Spunkrat]

Hello, my name is Jazz and I am in some need of advice on my two axolotls.
I am looking after them for my partner who is away over seas.
Ive been feeding them at his house when I visit regularly. I clean and replace some water about once a week. Feeding them (garden worms that I clean) about two - three times per week.

My problem is that I have noticed some tiny little white worms floating around the tank. I got advice from a local pet store. But i didn't follow it as they suggested bleaching the tank, and feeding them something different.

what I have done is cleaned their filters out thoroughly, spent a very long time cleaning the tank. after removing some of the water i wiped (with an unused cloth) around the exposed glass, to physically get any worms out. Also I used a net to remove them.

Ive spoken to his Dad, who has been leaving the garden worms in the tank if they dont eat them. I asked him to stop doing this as it is likely that this what is causing the worms.

What other options do I have? I am also not sure if these are harmful to axolotls and I would greatly appreciate some help.

thank you in advance!

jazz:happy:

 

[auntiejude]

What did you clean the filters with? If you used tap water you will have killed the good bacteria and crashed the cycle. You now need to re-cycle the tank which will mean daily testing and water changes. You need to read up on 'fish-in' cycling.

The white worms are most likely planaria or copepods and are completely harmless. You just need to scoop them out when you see them.

Worms sould be fed directly to axies by hand or tongs, not just dropped in the tank. Leaving worms in the tank probably caused the white worms in the first place.

 

[Kaini]

Whoops didn't realize there were two threads on this.

Exactly what auntiejude said, never completely clean your filter as that kills the beneficial bacteria. Do you test the water for ammonia nitrite and nitrate? Because there will likely be spikes now that can harm the animals and you need to keep an eye on it.

 

[sphynx]

i've heard that those little white worms are from left over food and they arent harmful. just feed less, or take out the food if they don't finish it.