Worms in my filter?

[squealor]

Last night, I did a complete cleaning of my filter (Marineland Emperor 400) and besides finding lots of baby snails (which I sort of expected), I also found a couple of small dark colored worms. They were tiny and looked flat and sort of pointed at each end (though hard to tell b/c they were so small). Any idea of what they are and if they are harmful to my tank? I got them out of the filter (changed all the media, too), but I'm afraid now that they might be throughout the tank or in the gravel.
Thanks!

 

[jrp1588]

seems like I read somewhere that those can come from overfeeding or not enough cleaning. I wouldn't worry about it though unless you start seeing a bunch of them

 

[Jchillin]

http://www.micrographia.com/specbiol/helmint/nematod/nema0100.htm

More than likely nematodes. Not especially harmful but they do thrive on excessive nutrients (foods). You can deter their prolonged health by reducing feedings and regular (weekly) water changes.

 

[Devilishturtles]

I agree. Likely planaria (or nematodes) in your tank. Follow Jchillin's advice and keep a cleaner tank, reduce feedings, and rinse your filter cartridge more often, and you will see them dissapear. Do not worry about then though, completely harmless.