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FAQs on Freshwater Worms of All Sorts, Compatibility/Control

Related Articles: Invertebrates for Freshwater Aquariums by Neale Monks, Choose Your Weapon: Freshwater Fish Disease Treatment Options by Neale Monks,

help! Little wormy things 9/25/08
Hello,
I just realized that in my baby guppy tank that there are these hair like worms that I can barely see. They are always vertical and they squirm around like a snake. Umm...they are white and they are about 1/8 of an inch. Are there any medications? I don't want to lose all of my baby guppies. Please reply quickly!
-Sarah
<Almost certainly harmless nematodes of some sort. They do thrive in dirty tanks, so seeing them is more likely a warning that you don't keep your tank clean than anything else. Cheers, Neale.>

"Slash" our Oscar, concerns w/ "worms" in the tank 8/12/08
we got an Oscar about 4 months ago, and he has come around pretty quick! he is an amazing fish, as he is our first Oscar. he has had these little "worm" looking things on the inside of the tank, they are extremely small, and move around. they have not attached to him, and don't seem to be bugging him, but they are driving me absolutely crazy!! we feed him a high grade pellet food, and about 1-2 times a week he gets frozen treats like meal worms, or brine shrimp. he is in a 55gal tank, with a power filter for 50-60 gal (up grading to a canister filter), we also do about a 30 % water change weekly. I know its hard without seeing it, but what could these "worms" be? and how the heck to we get raid of them!? thanks for the help!!
Desiree, Todd and "slash"
<The "worms" are most likely Planarians, in other words flatworms. They feed on the food you've given the Oscar. As you know, Oscars are very messy fish. The fine particles they produce get everywhere, especially if the tank is inadequate and water changes are infrequent. In both regards, you're at fault here: cichlids need BIG filters, and you should be using a filter offering NOT LESS than 6 times the volume of the tank in turnover per hour. Forget about the rating on the box telling you X filter is for Y sized tank... these estimates are based on best-case situations where a tank contains few, small fish, Neons for example -- not Oscars! You also should be doing AT LEAST 50% water change per week, with the gravel cleaned on a regular basis. It's the stuff you're not removing that the Planarians are eating. While harmless in themselves, they're a "wake up call" telling you of an underlying problem. Long term, excessive nitrate in the water will lead to issues such as Hole in the Head that are a real bother to treat. So please, upgrade your tank (too small for adult Oscars), upgrade your filter, and step up the water changes. Do this and the Planarians should fade away in time. Do see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebindex/oscars.htm
Cheers, Neale.>

Mystery FW Worms
Hi Guys. This is Alvin here. I am currently keeping a Scleropages jardinei together with a Pleco in a 50 gallon tank( inclusive of a sump tank). My feeding has been kept to minimal and no leftovers are noticed. However, I noticed a population of white crawling worms which I suspect are Planaria. Any ideas of how I can get rid of them? I use only Filter wool and Biohome in my sump tank. Thanks.
<Mmm, Planaria are flatworms... flat, not circular... and move in a distinctive gliding motion... these are likely annelids (segmented worms)... and very likely not dangerous to your livestock... in fact, perhaps helpful in keeping the tank clean... And their numbers are best kept in check through careful feeding, regular vacuuming and water changes. Bob Fenner>

Mystery Worms - 01/14/2005
Hi.
<Hello.>
I have a 10 gallon fresh water aquarium. It contains 4 female guppies and one baby.
<No problem there, that's for sure.>
I just recently noticed small white skinny worms. They wiggle and move and the guppies seen to not even notice them. I don't know what to do.
<The short answer:  Nothing.  The long answer:  These are probably harmless nematodes or Planaria.  Many freshwater aquaria will have such creatures.  They rarely ever become a nuisance unless the tank is overstocked (which yours is not) or overfed.  Be very cautious of how much you feed the guppies, and if you're not already, I highly recommend that you start testing your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.  If your nitrate is over 20ppm, chances are that you might be overfeeding and/or not changing the water often enough - start changing the water more often and you should notice the worm population recede.  But to put your mind at ease, these worms are very likely completely harmless to your fish, so chances are that you don't need to fear for the well-being of the guppies.>
Please help me soon.
<All should be well.  Let us know if anything further is amiss or if the worms appear to be giving the guppies any problems.>
Thanks, Lena
<Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Worms in Freshwater Tank
I sent the email earlier about the worms in the goldfish tank.
<Ok... For future reference, if following up on a previous Q&A, it is always best to send along the original query and response. We get 30-60 emails daily and really need all the correspondence as we have six different people answering to keep up with the volume of mail we get.>
I've just read your posted questions and answers. Based on your responses I wanted to note that the high population level of this invertebrate has not been caused by inadequate filtration or gravel siphoning. I have an optimum filter as well as gravel filtration, and I change their water one to two times a month via gravel vacuum. I also had only three inches worth of fish in a twenty gallon tank when these things appeared. So, I really would like to know exactly how I can control their population level, if you do not have enough information to identify them.
<My best guess is that you have experienced a bloom of a Tubifex like worm. They are not pathogenic to your fish, but I can categorically state that they are always seen in instances of excess food or fish waste. I understand that this is not the response you wanted to hear, but it is the truth. They feed off of the waste material and uneaten food. If you have neither, they could not live, let alone reproduce to a plague level. Basically, they have to be eating something. A couple of big water changes, thorough vacuuming of the gravel, and a dose of a copper based medication should knock them out for you. Note that the copper is not safe for other invertebrates.>
Your time is appreciated! Thank you. Sincerely, Courtney
<Have a nice day! -Steven Pro>

Weird Worms!!!!!????
We have tiny, clear (almost white) worm-like things on the inside of the glass in our freshwater aquarium. We were told that they are anchor worms
<your counsel was grossly mistaken... parasitic anchor worms would never be observed living on the glass without a host... many non-parasitic worm and Planaria populations do occur in tanks that are overfed, overstocked or lack adequate gravel siphoning. I suspect that is the case here. And although they are harmless, their presence indicates a level of pollution in the tank that is harmful to fishes>
and have treated the water with CopperSafe, but the worms are still there.
I don't know if they are really anchor worms or not.
<they are not>
Several fish have died. Some of them had white spots and/or fin rot.
<mitigated by water quality perhaps>
We moved all of the fish into a bowl (filled with fresh, treated water) and drained the tank, but now there are tiny worms in the fish bowl. Before moving our surviving fish back into the big tank, we want to be rid of the little nasties crawling around on the glass. HELP????!!!!!
<consider if you are overfeeding. Fish food should be consumed at the surface of the water and caught if necessary midwater (some species). Food should never hit the bottom of the aquarium as a rule (even the bottom dwellers learn to feed at the surface). Keep the fish stable in the main tank and do water changes to maintain water quality... the worms will wane naturally on their own as nutrients are controlled. Best regards, Anthony>
-- Thomas Kennedy

Little White Worms In Cichlid Tanks - 05/20/2006
Hi, I have a problem, well about a million little problems. First let me say that this web site is very helpful, and well put together. So, about my problem.
I have a 60 gal, 50 gal, 45 gal, and a 20 gal, all freshwater aquariums. Most of the tanks have South American Cichlids, with the exception of the 60 gallon, which has my African Tigerfish and a Raphael cat. About three months ago I noticed these little white worms about 1 centimeter to 3 centimeters long. They pretty much stay out of sight, until I do a water change, or disrupt the gravel. Then the tank is full of them. I cleaned the 50 gallon out with bleach, changed the filters, and even bought new gravel. Then a week later I notice that they were back!!! They have spread to all of my tanks now due to my constant rearranging of plants and decorations. Please help me with this, are they good, bad, or does it matter? I also noticed that my Jaguar Cichlid in the 50 gallon acts sick when the worms are swimming around.
< They are probably harmless but go ahead and treat all the tanks with Fluke-Tabs. This will kill all the invertebrates in the tank. These worms may have come in with the gravel.-Chuck>

White Worms on Glass  7/23/06
<Hi Valarie , Pufferpunk here>
I have enjoyed browsing through your site and have a question if you have time.  I have a 90 gallon freshwater tank with no new fish added for over a year.  The fish are all fine, but I have noticed a white film on the tank sides.  When I look at the film, there are very small (worms?) no longer than 1mm that are slowly moving.  I clean the tank, and have used parasite products with no change.  Any ideas?  Your help is greatly appreciated!
<Harmless--generally comes from overfeeding/not enough water changes.  Wipe them off, do a good-sized water change (should be done weekly 25-50%) & feed less.  ~PP>
Valarie Ikerd

FW... Planaria 8/28/06
Hello
<<Hi, Shannon. Tom with you.>>
My friend's mother's tank has white flat worm type of bugs/worms in the tank.
<<Planaria. Harmless to fish.>>
One day there was none. Next there was thousands. It's a freshwater tank. Any ideas to remove them?
<<Yes, Shannon, but you'll have to slow down a little. (I'm correcting more punctuation, etc., than offering advice. (hint, hint) :)>>
They are starting to freak her out.
<<Well, we can't have that! Your friend's mother needs to vacuum the gravel at the bottom of her tank. Planaria feed on the "gunk" that's left over from feeding, pooping,...well, you get the picture. Clean gravel? No little white worms.>>
It is a fresh water tank also.
<<You mentioned that. Take a deep breath, Shannon. :)>>
P.S. They attack the live worms they feed the fish when they fall to the bottom of the tank.
<<That's what Planaria do, Shannon. They're "opportunistic" feeders. If there's no "opportunity", they die and/or disappear. In short, the tank's dirty. It needs to be cleaned...thoroughly. Recommend that your friend's mother purchase a gravel vacuum from a fish store. Once she figures out how simple it is to use...Bingo! Sayonara to the little white worms!>>
Thank you
Shannon
<<Happy to help, Shannon. Tom>>

Worms?
Hi Robert,
<<Tom here, Lisa, "disguised" as Bob.>>
Today I just noticed A LOT of worm looking things in my tank, many on my glass, some 'swimming' around. They are white, I don't see anything on my fish yet... There are quite a few long ones (1/2 or more) and many small ones. ( have to look hard) I really don't know what it is!
<<Planaria, Lisa. They're a type of flatworm and aren't harmful to your fish though they're indicative of poor water quality.>>
I had my tank for about year and a half (First tank) Recently I added new fish to my tank, it was about a couple weeks ago, but my biggest one ate them. I don't know if that had to do with anything.
<<Your biggest one, what, Lisa? This wouldn't have had anything to do with the Planaria but it was certainly rough on your new fish.>>
Right now I only have 3 fish.
<<Thanks to your biggest one... :)>>
I am thinking that I need to do a water change and clean the tank really good. I'm not sure.
<<Absolutely what is called for here, Lisa. I'd do a couple of 20% changes a few days apart and vacuum the substrate, if any, thoroughly and deeply. Do this in sections, though. You don't want to vacuum all of substrate at one time since we want to keep the beneficial bacteria residing there as intact as possible.>>
Your advice would be great!
<<You don't mention whether, or not, you have a water test kit, Lisa. If not, I'd recommend purchasing one. All of your tank's parameters are important to know but, after having been established for a year and a half, nitrates are going to be the big issue. These should be kept below 20 ppm to avoid letting the tank get to the point where Planaria present themselves again.>>
Sincerely,
Lisa Scott
<<Good luck, Lisa. Tom>>

Re: FW Worms?
Tom,
<<Hi, Lisa.>>
My biggest one, my biggest fish, ate the 4 fish I just got... (I was thinking that I got it from the new fish). It’s a silver dollar. The pet store said it was a peaceful fish! Obviously not!! It ate a crab too!!
<<Silver Dollars are "herbivores", which makes this all the more strange. (Yours apparently didn't get the memo!) Kidding aside, other than being notoriously "nervous" fish and wreaking havoc on live plants, I've never anything "bad" about these fish. Quite the contrary is true. They (typically) get along with other fish so well that they're recommended as tankmates for a rather broad spectrum of other species.>>
How often should I do a water changes? I was doing them about once a month.
<<I would cut this time frame in half, Lisa. Perform a water change every couple of weeks.>>
And I just put a new Filter in - it wasn't very dirty at all before I saw the worms.
<<A dirty aquarium isn't really what it sounds like. "Dirty" refers more to water conditions/parameters than it does to visible "unsightliness". The two, particularly in the case of nitrates, can go hand-in-hand but, without testing, you really wouldn't know for sure. Out of curiosity, did you leave the old filter in place or, put some - or all- of the old filter media in the new filter, when the new one was installed? If not, your aquarium has to completely re-cycle, leaving your fish to deal with the inevitable spiking of ammonia and nitrites. You'll absolutely need to keep a close eye on this.>>
The one thing that does not help the nitrates is that the tube for the filter is really far up from the ground. I need an extension tube ( I guess I better go get it).
<<Save yourself some money, Lisa. Nitrates aren't removed by the filter. These are removed via water changes. Extending the pick-up tube won't help in any discernible fashion.>>
I just bought a siphon so I can get the stuff in the rocks. I can admit I've been kind of neglecting them. (I have been REALLY busy since school started).
<<Ever wish there were more than 24 hours in a day? :)>>
So those worms won’t harm my fish at all?
<<Nope. They're not interested in your fish, just what your fish leave behind, particularly uneaten food.>>
On Monday I took two of my fish out and gave them to another person (not knowing or seeing the worms). So they won't transfer to the other tank? I’m really worried about that!
<<They could "transfer" with the water from the tank but not on the fish. Strictly non-parasitic critters...>>
And no… I don’t have a nitrate testing kit (I know I should have known better).
<<But, then, we wouldn't have had this opportunity to chat. :) >>
Thanks for your help, you’re a fish saver!
Lisa
<<Best regards and good luck with school. Tom>>

Planaria - On The Menu for Plecostomus? - 10/19/2006
<<Tom here.>>
Do Plecos eat Planaria?
<<Not without mustard and ketchup. Actually, I suppose they will but Planaria sure wouldn't be a Pleco's first choice off the menu. If you're experiencing a Planaria "outbreak", better to give your aquarium a good cleaning, particularly the substrate, and keep nitrate levels to a minimum, i.e. below 20 ppm. Tom>>

White Worms In Tank... not punks on dope 2/6/07
I have had my two Oscars for about two and a half years now and have had no problems with them until now. I was gone for the weekend and came back to little white worms the size of hair swimming around in my tank. I cleaned out the tank and scrubbed everything really good. When I put the fish back in the tank they were still there. What do I do?
<Nada... these worms are not deleterious; will "go" with improved water quality, maintenance on your part. Bob Fenner>

Dear Brandon,
<Hello again Jason.>
I know putting the BTA in my 180 gallon was a bit premature however its
previous 55 gallon tank had sprung a leak and I had to transfer it over.
<You gotta do what you gotta do.  I was just illustrating that these animals need established systems that's all.  Further, I suggested that you read up on the care of these critters, because you seemed shocked by what is an ordinary occurrence.>
Most of the fish I was able to store in my QT tank however I did not want to combine
the  BTA in that small an environment as it is crowded already with the fish.
<Likely a stressful event.>
My  question is what should I be looking for in the anemone to see if it is
doing O.K. or if it is in distress?
<Droopy mouth, staying closed all the time, turning to goo.>
The water levels are normal 0 ammonia, 0 nitrates, ph  8.4
<Nitrite, Calcium, Alkalinity?>
The tank has 3- 250W MH with 2 rows of actinic bulbs, a 30 gallon trickle
sump and a 2- gallon mud refugium with mangroves.
<Interesting setup.>
Thanks again,
<You are welcome.  Brandon.>
Jason

QA@aquaticeco.com
Date:  Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:25:34 -0400 (EDT)
Hello
This is a Quality Assurance message to check on our level of customer service. On 03/17/2007 12:06:38 we received a message from you through our support center.
This message is to make sure your question was answered to your satisfaction and give you an opportunity to let us know.
We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the future.
Please reply to this message if you wish to comment on our level of service.
Our Regards,
AES Customer Support Staff
<Mmm, still waiting for a call-back re your marketing... Bob Fenner>

Re: shark rehabilitation/release/placement
Thank you Bob,
I wasn't sure that you would be for such an undertaking.
<Mmm, oh yes. To be clear, I am all in favor of what preserves life, the environment that allows such... Your efforts are confluent with mine, our philosophies match>
You may use  my letter, but please remove Wildlife World Zoo and Brian Joseph's name, as I  have not asked his permission to have his name  on a chat site  just yet.  When we get this going, we will come up with some formal name  for your viewers who might be in need.
<Ahh... would you please send along the original? Per your request I deleted our correspondence>
I would like to contact those other organizations that you mentioned.   I guess that I should be able to find them on the internet?
<Oh yes... they are as stated... place the info. in your search tool/s>
Thanks again.  I have Scott's book.  It is fantastic.
Will keep in touch.
Sharmie
<I look forward to this. BobF>

"Bruce Ulmer" <bruce_ulmer@casco-group.com>
Date:  Wed, 21 Mar 2007 08:09:14 -0700
Hey Bruce! Very nice piece... Do you have this in a format that we might post on our sites? And great to see at least the UK has an aquatics trade 'zine... Hope trust you enjoyed your stay in the UK... Brrrrr! And that all is well with you, your health. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Bruce Ulmer
Senior Vice President
CASCO Group, Inc.
17719 Valley View St,
Cerritos, CA  90703
714-522-8373  ex 202
714-562-6502 Direct Line
800-537-3415 ex 202
714-690-9273 Personal Fax
bruce_ulmer@casco-group.com <mailto:bruce_ulmer@casco-group.com>
http://www.casco-group.com <http://www.casco-group.com>
Hi Bob,
I'll find out if we have something you may use. How have you been?
<Fine my friend, thank you>
I enjoyed my time in the UK but you are so right...too damn cold.  :)
Bruce
<Heeee! I do hope to see you about someday soon. Cheers, BobF>

Bob, leave here: Call on

OmegaSea Marketing 3/20/07
Dear Bob Fenner,
  I'm not sure if you're the person I need to speak with but I am the
new head of marketing at OmegaSea, Ltd (OmegaOne fish foods) and I
wanted to first off introduce myself as well as try and get in
contact with the appropriate person to discuss our advertising on
your site.  I believe we have done so in the past.
If you could give me a proper contact it would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Rachel Latina
Graphic Designer/Head of Marketing
OmegaSea, Ltd
rachel@omegasea.net
<Pleased to make your acquaintance Rachel... Tis I or Mike Kaechele you likely want to chat with. Have you seen the banner we made/placed for Omega Sea? Your time in advertising was pre-paid and ran out the middle of last year... We've continued it as a courtesy, promotion of our new Banner Ad program... Please see here if you'd like to continue in some capacity: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/wwmsponsors.htm
Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Aquatic Eco-Systems 3/20/07
Hello
Thank you for checking with Aquatic Eco-Systems. Your email has been forwarded to our marketing department. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Best regards
Kevin Quinn
M.S. Zoology
Aquatic Eco-Systems
2395 Apopka Boulevard
Apopka, FL 32703
<Thanks Kevin... I will wait a few days and give a call there. Bob Fenner>
www.aquaticeco.com
407-886-3939
Fax 407-886-6787
Hello my name is Bruce you may direct your advertising inquiries to myself.
Thanks,
Bruce Vizueta
<Oh! Bruce. Should I give you a call? Would you make known what time might be best? Have you perused our outline/offer, with links to our stats servers here?: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/wwmsponsors.htm
Am an old timey aquarist/lake management type... who used to buy from you folks way before your interest in more ornamental aquatics... Look forward to chatting with you, Bob Fenner>
Market Analyst
Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc.
2395 Apopka Blvd.
Apopka, FL 32703
Phone: 407-886-3939
Fax: 407-886-0800

Re: Ben, Ken? About your Overall Marketing, your Website, It's Promotional/Advertising Potential
Hi Bob,
Can you tell me the stats of the site? Can you forward the weblogs?
<All posted here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/wwmsponsors.htm>
Also, would you be interested in an affiliate set-up?
<Mmm, don't see the particulars of this proposal on your site>
What number can I call you at to discuss?
<858 549 XXXX. Bob Fenner>
Wayland

"US Tetra Consumer" <Consumer@tetra.net>
Date:  Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:55:06 -0400
Hello Bob,
I am going to forward your email to Linda Staley, but I'm not sure if
she is the right person or not.  If so, she will contact you.
Otherwise, she will forward you on to the correct person in marketing.
Regards,
Tetra
<Thanks much. Bob Fenner>
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob@WetWebMedia.com [mailto:Bob@WetWebMedia.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2007 12:52 PM
To: US Tetra Consumer
Subject: TW -- General Contact Us Request
A Contact Us email has been sent from the Tetra Site.  Here is the
information.
Email: Bob@WetWebMedia.com
Message:
Whom might I contact there re your Website advertising?

"Euro-Reef, Inc. Marketing Group" <er.marketing@euro-reef.com>
Reply-To: <er.marketing@euro-reef.com>
To: "'Robert Fenner'" <By Bob Fenner>
Subject: RE: The Big Island... Notes to Bob and Jeff
Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2007 10:40:15 -0700
Hi Bob,
I passed the Kona info to Robert and Jeff for their vacation, thanks very much.
Looks like a go from this end on our ad deal, yeehaw! Please invoice us and
fax or email it to Jennifer Macare er.admin@euro-reef.com
<Yay! You can use PayPal, or I'll bill you folks in arrears... The addy?>
Also, Jeff will get you our banner and static logo to place on your site.
<Am looking forward to it!>
The Kona house looks awesome and I will contact Pete to get an idea of rental fees and calendar for available time. If I can afford it I would rather give the money to someone I know than the Hilton Hotel!!!
<Am in total agreement... My principal raison d'etre for buying such places... Makes me go there... and I am "forced" to enjoy myself!>
Thanks for the free stay offer and I might take you up on that if I come up alone or with my lady friend sometime.
Let's get this ad campaign reelin' and a-rockin"!
<I'll say! Bob Fenner>
Sincerely,
Rene Macare
Dir.of Marketing
Euro-Reef
ph:(949)770-9913 x16
fx: (949)770-3099
www.euro-reef.com

From: "Euro-Reef, Inc. Marketing Group" <er.marketing@euro-reef.com>
Subject: RE: The Big Island... Notes to Bob and Jeff
Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:42:40 -0700
Bob thanks again for your time on the phone today. I mistakenly called your Kona home number thinking I would reach you in San Diego....OOPS! I do not have your local home number but here is what I need form you for us to make a decision today on the ad:
<Oh, our SD number is 858 549 XXXX for your records>
You mentioned a two for one deal but no specific cost related to that. To be up front it may be easier to let you know what our budget is that we have to work with and we can get for that. We are looking at $300 max per month at this time. We will monitor the success (ROI) from this and decide if it makes sense to throw more $$$ at it as we grow our business.
<The offer I make is the right shared border (the "static" ad space of 100 by X pixels...) PLUS the Rotating Banner Ad (468 by 60)... For the low, low price of... what you're offering... the Three Hundred U.S. per mo.>
Thanks again for your help with this and for the great Kona info as well!
<I do hope we can/will all make it out there sometime soon. Oh, forgot Pete's email last time... He's cc'ed above...>
P.S. - Bob, when you have a moment can you provide me with the contact name/phone number or email address to get info on your house rental fees etc.
<Ah yes... the Jabulani addr. there above... and his phone: 858 722 XXXX...
FWIW, you're welcome to come out sometime when I'm there (go out every few months, generally for a month or so at a time, more if folks will be coming to visit/stay) for free... Do keep in touch re times...>
I am planning to head out to Hawaii sometime later this year with my girls and my girlfriend (the plein air painter) and son may join. Is there is
web site with info on the house or can you tell me a little about the location, number of bedrooms, sleeping room, etc., have any pictures? Thanks a bunch!
<Oh, the house, addr. can be seen here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/holualoaproperty.htm
BobF>
Sincerely,
Rene Macare
Dir.of Marketing
Euro-Reef, IncT
ph:(949)770-9913 x16
fx: (949)770-3099
www.euro-reef.com

Subject: The Big Island... Notes to Bob and Jeff
Hey Rene! Thank you for taking the time to chat this AM... For your kin's upcoming visit:
Do make sure to pick up a cooler either at the King's Shops or Costco, Kmart, Wal-Mart... these are great places on the Big Island... for packing sodas et al. during your stay... going to, from the hotel... Though is a haul over the rough hallways there at the Hilton in Waikoloa... Maybe two coolers.
While you're there, do call on Gerald Heslinga (if he'll see you... he's more than a bit of a recluse) at Indo-Pacific Sea Farms... and Carol and Craig at OceanRider (they're listed in the local phone books)... down at NELHA (just south of the airport/Keohole...
Make sure and get in a "pizza night" down at Kona Brewing Company... in town (Kailua Old Industrial)...
And the usual pitches for nice beaches... Hapuna (public) and Mauna Kea's
(private, go early to get a parking placard... it's free otherwise)... Up
for adventure? Got to make a run down to Kilauea Volcano Park... a day or so
at Hilo's waterfalls et al... (do bring some lightweight rain gear if you have it... and flashlights if you're going to stay till dark to see the lava...
And Waipio... a haul but real fun...
And Parker Ranch has many attractions for young folks... Do look in "101 Things to do on the Big Island"... a circular at the Airport... esp. for the coupons for discounts, two-fors...
And don't be shy re asking the locals what they do, where they eat et al...
there are many great things to experience there... I will be out (at "A" Bay just south of where you're staying) for the Lavaman tri, but leaving unfortunately a day ahead of your arrival... Do send along your cell numbers (I don't have one...) and I'll call you if I extend. Our house number there is 808 331 0889. Cheers, Bob Fenner

Dear Brandon,
<Hello again Jason.>
I know putting the BTA in my 180 gallon was a bit premature however its
previous 55 gallon tank had sprung a leak and I had to transfer it over.
<You gotta do what you gotta do.  I was just illustrating that these animals need established systems that's all.  Further, I suggested that you read up on the care of these critters, because you seemed shocked by what is an ordinary occurrence.>
Most of the fish I was able to store in my QT tank however I did not want to combine
the  BTA in that small an environment as it is crowded already with the fish.
<Likely a stressful event.>
My  question is what should I be looking for in the anemone to see if it is
doing O.K. or if it is in distress?
<Droopy mouth, staying closed all the time, turning to goo.>
The water levels are normal 0 ammonia, 0 nitrates, ph  8.4
<Nitrite, Calcium, Alkalinity?>
The tank has 3- 250W MH with 2 rows of actinic bulbs, a 30 gallon trickle
sump and a 2- gallon mud refugium with mangroves.
<Interesting setup.>
Thanks again,
<You are welcome.  Brandon.>
Jason

FW Plant Leech   03/23/07
Hi Crew! Hope all is well with you, you've helped me so much in the past.  To make a long story short, I have a 10 gallon tank that has been used as a plant refuge for when I thin plants out of the aquariums.  I throw them into this tank.  At one time the tank was a failed attempt to raise daphnia, I never cleaned it out after that, just started throwing plants into it.  After a few months I was given some cherry shrimp that were too small to go into the main tanks, so I put those in there.  When I added the shrimp I put in a sponge filter and heater.  I don't perform routine water changes on this tank.  This tank has been a fascinating biological experiment of sorts because it has a blanket of live blackworms now that must have accidentally come in there on plants.  (I feed the fish live blackworms a couple of times a week.) The tank is full of shrimp that have bred like crazy and hitchhiker snails.  The water is green, and amazingly there is no algae in the tank, whatsoever.
However, it is time for me to transform it into a usable tank and I was thinking of putting a couple of killies and a group of sidthmunkis in there, of course making sure the parameters are good first.  I really wouldn't want to see all of this "food" go to waste.  Sound like a good idea?  Probably not...  But anyhow, I also have these in my tank.  Do you have any idea what they are?  Are they good slugs/flatworms?  Or bad slugs/flatworms?  Should I just forget my dream of giving some lucky fish the feast of their lives and clean the tank out before I introduce any fish into it?  Thanks!
Take care, Mary.
< This is a typical FW plant leech. Fish don't eat them but they really aren't much of a problem.-Chuck>

FW Plant Leech   03/23/07
Hi Crew!
<Hello Mary!>
Hope all is well with you, you've helped me so much in the past.  To make a long story short, I have a 10 gallon tank that has been used as a plant refuge for when I thin plants out of the aquariums.  I throw them into this tank.  At one time the tank was a failed attempt to raise daphnia, I never cleaned it out after that, just started throwing plants into it.  After a few months I was given some cherry shrimp that were too small to go into the main tanks, so I put those in there.  When I added the shrimp I put in a sponge filter and heater.  I don't perform routine water changes on this tank.  This tank has been a fascinating biological experiment of sorts because it has a blanket of live blackworms now that must have accidentally come in there on plants.  (I
feed the fish live blackworms a couple of times a week.) The tank is full of shrimp that have bred like crazy and hitchhiker snails.  The water is green, and amazingly there is no algae in the tank, whatsoever.
<Because it's balanced. In balanced tanks, the rate of algal growth is checked by the growth of plants and predation by algae-eating animals. In aquaria (and ponds, and eutrophic waters in the wild) the balance is lost, and often the algae prosper because their natural limiting factors are taken away.>
However, it is time for me to transform it into a usable tank and I was thinking of putting a couple of killies and a group of sidthmunkis in there, of course making sure the parameters are good first.
<You'll lose almost all the fun, I suspect. To reach a balance with fish, you need a *lot* of water volume per fish. Look for a copy of the excellent book "Dynamic Aquaria" for a scientific (and highly detailed) investigation of balanced aquaria with complete ecosystems. Certainly possible, but very challenging if you include fishes, miles easier with just inverts.>
I really wouldn't want to see all of this "food" go to waste.  Sound like a good idea?  Probably not...  But anyhow, I also have these in my tank.  Do you have any idea what they are?  Are they good slugs/flatworms?  Or bad slugs/flatworms?  Should I just forget my dream of giving some lucky fish the feast of their lives and clean the tank out before I introduce any fish into it?
<Those are small leeches, annelid subclass Hirudinea. Now, the vast majority of leeches are predators on invertebrates. Very, very few are bloodsuckers. But obviously those that are can be very damaging to fish, particularly very small fish. Identifying leeches to species level is difficult, and definitely a job for your friendly neighbourhood freshwater ecologist or parasitologist. Identification beyond subclass level is below me, I'm afraid! In the meantime though, don't kill it out of hand. Leeches are lovely animals, and if you can encourage it to go swimming you will be treated to one of the most beautiful little spectacles in the animal kingdom. They also have a very cute "inchworm" mode of walking. The sucker at the front (blunt end) is armed with teeth with which it catches its prey, and most species suck up the "juices" of whatever they've caught either directly or through a neat little stylet. You can also see the digestive system quite nicely in your photo, too. All in all, charming, if weird, animals.>
Thanks!
<No problem.>
Take care,
<Will certainly try! Neale>
Mary.

Worms in my tank 4/10/07
Hello,
I have been reading your site and it has been really helpful, but to be sure I just wanted to explain my situation and see what you thought.  I have a 75 gallon freshwater tank with one Jack Dempsey cichlid and a algae eater (not sure of the real name)
<Algae eater is probably Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, a nasty son-of-a-gun and a Jack Dempsey is one of the few fish that would be able to handle it. Big (30 cm), greenish fish with distinctive spiracle (opening) above each gill slit.>
They both seem very healthy, very vibrant in color.  I was looking very closely and I saw very thin hair looking worms that didn't really move. The only reason I new they were living things is because I poked one with my finger and it squiggled.  There are only a few of these worm things and I was wondering if it was a parasite from my Jacks stomach.
<Unlikely. If parasitic worms sometimes come in with wild-caught fish, but they don't wiggle about in the gravel. If you see a swollen belly and/or worms protruding from the anus, then parasite worms are possible. Otherwise these are harmless nematodes or oligochaetes that have (for example) come in with live food.>
The only reason why I'm concerned with this is because lately he hasn't had and appetite.  Any thoughts on this?
<Try using garlic to stimulate appetite. You can even buy ready-garlicked frozen food! Also try starving the fish for a few days, and then offering something new. Maybe some seafood or a bit of whitebait instead of the usual flake and pellets. One thing aquarists often overlook is dried food loses its savour after a while. Though safe to use for months after opening, after about 4 weeks it doesn't smell strong enough and many fish ignore it. If you buy big tubs, divide it up, freeze most of it in a dry container, and remove only a portion at a time. Maybe check for constipation (yes, happens to fish too) a remedy by offering green foods such as cooked peas.>
Thanks for your time,
<No probs. Cheers, Neale>
Jennifer

Tiny worms in my pool! 7/10/07
I have dozens of tiny dark colored, short and skinny worms swimming in my above ground pool. Are they dangerous???
<Mmm, highly unlikely to be so>
My kids want to go swimming, but I am holding them back until I can make sure they aren't some kind of parasite. They tend to curl and uncurl to move around in the water. I picked one up and it was soft and squished in my hand, but we are all afraid to swim with them now, even in this hot weather. Please let me know if I should dump gallons and gallons of water out of my pool or not. I tried household bleach, but maybe I didn't use enough, because they are still alive and squirming. Yuck! Help!
~Thank you, P. Carris
WA
<Mmm, maybe a good idea to have a "real" poolman/person come on out and hyper-chlorinate (and possibly drop the pH temporarily) here... I'd "kick it up a notch" (Bam!) to 2.0 ppm free Cl... to kill all... allow the free chlorine to dissipate... likely for a day. This should "do it" inexpensively. Bob Fenner>

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