Drain flies in my tank.

[Noodlesmom]

So I believe I have an infestation of drain flies in my tank. I found some little worms yesterday in there and after doing much much research I’ve came to the conclusion that they’re Drain fly larvae. I vacuumed my whole tank and even replaced one of my filter sponges in the tank becuase they were in there. This sponge was part of a new filter I had running with my old one so I could adapt the new filter to the old ones cycle without having to start over. I wasn’t able to find anymore last night after I cleaned it but this morning I found two more at the bottom of the tank. Does anyone have any suggestions or tips on how to get rid of them completely without starting my whole tank over and also keeping my axolotl safe? Has anyone ever had this problem before? Will they harm my axolotl?

 

[wolfen]

there doesn't seem to be any cases of drain flies harming any axolotls but it has been noted that they are useful in the removal of muck and sediment, if the axolotl was small enough it would probably eat them, small fish such as platys/mollys/guppys will quite happily eat them.

 

[Noodlesmom]

there doesn't seem to be any cases of drain flies harming any axolotls but it has been noted that they are useful in the removal of muck and sediment, if the axolotl was small enough it would probably eat them, small fish such as platys/mollys/guppys will quite happily eat them.

I’ve been picking them out when I see them to avoid them multiplying and taking over my tank. I’m trying this method of just taking them out when I see it instead of having to redo my whole tank. I read about guppies but I don’t know if it’s even safe to put them in there and then take them out and then put my axolotl back in. I’m hoping by just picking out the little worms that it’ll stop any reproduction.

 

[wolfen]

your axolotl will quite happily hunt and eat guppies, if your axolotl is young then the guppies will disappear fast, if your axolotl is older then the guppies will learn how to avoid him/her to a degree.

 

[Noodlesmom]

your axolotl will quite happily hunt and eat guppies, if your axolotl is young then the guppies will disappear fast, if your axolotl is older then the guppies will learn how to avoid him/her to a degree.

Oh wow okay. I thought the guppies would harm the axolotl or bring not beneficial bacteria into the tank. Thank you!

 

[wolfen]

the main worries that people have regarding fish is gill nipping and carrying parasites or diseases, provided that a cave/hide is provided then there is very little chance of nipping and quarantining the fish for a few weeks (some say that 30 days is best) to prevent any issues.
also it is best to stick to small livebearing fish such as platy/molly/guppies as they breed quite readily and don't grow to a size that can cause issues, also some fish have spines on their fins that can be harmful.

 

[Noodlesmom]

the main worries that people have regarding fish is gill nipping and carrying parasites or diseases, provided that a cave/hide is provided then there is very little chance of nipping and quarantining the fish for a few weeks (some say that 30 days is best) to prevent any issues.
also it is best to stick to small livebearing fish such as platy/molly/guppies as they breed quite readily and don't grow to a size that can cause issues, also some fish have spines on their fins that can be harmful.

thank you!! I appreciate your help