Tiny snails+white parasites (?) all over the tank?

[roeanddarwin]

So, i went to go and feed my boys, and as i turned the light on, out of interest, to get a closer look at chub's gills, i noticed two tiny snails on the filter. mind you, i do 20% water changes every week and 3 days., and i've had these plants for about a month and a bit and i haven't noticed this before. then, after closer inspection, more developed, but tiny, snails are scattered across different parts of the tank. i then saw many, many, white moving flecks on the glass. they're everywhere. floating, sticking, and even dead on the bottom. some appear to be dots, but others appear to be worm like. i honestly have no idea what the heck has happened. not sure how to get rid of this, but i don't want to kill the developed snails. will this be harmful to my boys?

 

[Donna001]

It is worth trying to identify what you have in your tank. This link should help.

Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Invaders: Algae, Snails, Worms and Other Critters

 

[Blackbun]

When you say worm-like, are the body cross sections circular or flattened?
Aquarium gravel/sand is often and very easily infested with snails. These aren't the easily noticeable day light types but nocturnal which then burrow again when it gets light. The biggest damage they do is contribute to the nitrogen load. I'd not use moluscicides but hot water to rinse the gravel.

 

[dutch guy]

It sounds to me as planaria

Tylototriton Shanjing 3,5,19

 

[Holly12]

Tiny white "bugs" on the glass are normal. I have them too and had them in every fish tank I've ever had. Harmless little critters just hanging out. Planaria and other little bugs.

The only potentially harmful ones are hydra. I had an outbreak of them once in a fish tank. You could see the fish and snails jump if one stung them. My hands and arms would itch after working in that tank too. (Ever swim in a lake and when you get out, you can feel some tiny itches or stings? Barely noticeable, but there? Hydra.)

There are certain fish that will eat hydra, but you can't put fish in with axies. Assassin snails (may?) eat hydra, but are very small so the axie would eat them. Do not smash them or pluck at them. They are called hydra for a reason. You brake a piece off and more grow in its place.