HELP - Tiny white worms on glass - discus sick

[SandyLynne]

This morning there are very tiny white worms on the glass in my aquarium.
Last night many of my discus were dark, fins clamped and seem generally unwell.
My first mode of attack was to quickly do a 50% water change.
Water parameters seem fine except for a minute amount of ammonia.
Many of their tails are damaged, they are huddled together in the corner, whereas they would all normally come to me when I stand at the glass.

[fishgeek]

any ammonia is unacceptable, so i think that is your answer

could you have been over feeding?

andrew

[nicholas76]

tiny white worms - generally not harmful ,, they are found in our tap water.

it can suggest over feeding however.

[scott bowler]

sandy as andrew and nic said the answer is there the white worms are from over feeding and any ammonia is going to make your fish look sick and there fins will look burn at the tips , fix those things and all will be ok good luck

[SandyLynne]

Thank you all for your help.

It seems ammonia is the problem and the burning of the tips of the fins is exactly what they have.

What is really strange is that I did a 50% water change on Sunday.
Before the water change 0 ammonia
After the water change there is ammonia

I have tested the tap water and 0 ammonia

Anyway since the ammonia spike I have cut back on feeding, numerous 50% water changes and my babies are looking much better and the worms have gone. :wave2

[Merrilyn]

I've often wondered why the ammonia level should rise after a water change, when the new water has a zero ammonia reading.

The only explanation I can come up with is that adding the new water disturbs the gravel and stirs up uneaten food which may be hiding in the gravel or around driftwood or plants, bringing it into the main tank water, and therefore increasing the ammonia reading.

It's really a sign that you have been overfeeding for some time, and the excess food hasn't been removed during your regular water changes.

Stirring up your gravel, and lifting large objects (driftwood or rocks) during a gravel vac, will help to remove any excess.

Planaria multiplying in the water is a sure sign that there is excess food in the tank.

[SandyLynne]

I have cut back the feeding and all worms have now disappeared. I have always been an over feeder and try so hard to control it but always drift back somehow. I just don't want my discus to be starving.

Control Sandy, control :wink:

[nicholas76]

Nothing wrong with over feeding!


just ensure your w/c are up as well :wink: :wink: