Roundworms in Axolotl tank

[JHavlicek]

Hi this is the first time I've posted here but I am having trouble clearing up roundworms in my axolotl tank. I've been using "Parasite Clear" by Jungle, water changes and siphoning out the worms. The worms are free-living but unattractive and worry me that they may harm my axies. I have three axolotls in the tank but none seem to be ill as of yet all are eating and behaving normally. The tank's nitrate, pH and ammonia levels are all fine and the temp is around 20 C. What can I do to get rid of the buggers? Thanks!

 

[Kaysie]

What are 'roundworms'? The only roundworm that comes to mind is technically a fungus, and not a free-living creature.

Having critters in your tank is normal and healthy.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Don't use the parasite clear anymore, it is doing more harm than good. What kind of substrate are your axolotls kept on? What kind of test kit are you using?

The best method for removing the worms is a 6 pack of beer and a turkey baster, this method is also very effective for snails.

 

[michaelaf]

The best method for removing the worms is a 6 pack of beer and a turkey baster, this method is also very effective for snails

beer???

 

[JHavlicek]

I have a sand substrate and using strips to test the ammonia and nitrate levels (I think they are by Tetra, and a pH test kit by Wardley.


And beer???


And the roundworms (or that's what I think they are) are tiny little white worms I can see attached to the glass of the tank that squirm around on it. I checked my axies and they don't have any externally, nor does their behavior indicate any illness or distress (yet) but I want to clear the little whatevers out.

 

[Kerry1968]

Firstly I think the beer reference was a joke, as in, it is a long, tedious job cleaning out the tank with a turkey baster and having a few beers might make it more enjoyable!

The creatures you are referring to sound like planaria. The best way to get rid of them is to make sure your tank is scrupulously (sp?) clean, these little worm like creatures live on any left over food or waste in the tank. That being said they are completely harmless.

I once had a massive infestation of them when someone had switched off my filter and I hadn't realised! After a good clean (with afore-mentioned turkey baster) and the pump running as normal, they diminished quickly.

I often see a few if I look really closely at the glass of my tank, but I have heard it means a well-established tank, so they don't bother me!

 

[JHavlicek]

Ahh well thanks! Haha I was very worried when I spotted them! I am glad to hear they aren't anything to worry about and I am sorry to them then that I sucked them all away with a turkey baster if they were harmless =P. My three axies thank you all though!