White threadworms in aquarium

[nikki]

}As a novice owner of a 1 year old axolotl, who lives in a 4ft aquarium, I have recently noticed a large number of tiny white 'threadworms' swimming around the tank. I feed him on earthworms live from the garden - daily. What are these worms? Where have they come from? Are they dangerous to him or humans? How do I get rid of them - or should I not worry? Any advice much appreciated. Thanks Nikki.}

 

[jennifer]

Not harmful. They come in as spores from air/dust/dirt in our homes or garden. You may want to do some extra cleaning, but stripping down the whole tank to clean could do more harm than good. Do you have a way to get debris out from the sand/gravel in the tank? See:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/Tank_critters.shtml

(Message edited by jennewt on January 01, 2007)