HELP- Discussion on planaria safety!!

[ktomminello]

Here's a debate that seems to be have me twitterpated (baffled, amused and confused, taken from disneys movie Bambi). I have a few planaria worms in my 10g from plant removal and replanting. I know they are harmless, my tank is clean, I'm pretty sure they hitched a ride with tropical fern and java fern that I got back from my mom (my oscars didn't take kindly to them) and planted in my betta/ fiddler crab tank.

Here's the real question I can't seem to find the answer to- Is it ok that my betta and crabs are eating them, and if so, should I not feed them until the worms have been eaten/ are gone?

C'mon guys, I REALLY am interested in hearing your answers. Thanks in advance to any and all that help me.

 

[shellieca]

I would still feed just maybe not as much. You're talking about the tiny white worms right? I have some in one of my Betta tanks & I can't seem to get rid of them completely, there aren't many thankfully. He doesn't eat them or if he does he doesn't eat very many. Yours might eat some but I don't think it's enough or contains all the nutrition needed. I could of course be completely wrong.

 

[Rivercats]

There are fish that eat them so they are safe to eat, its just only a few fish are known to eat them. Here is a list...

Angel fish, blue and pearl gouramis, guppies, common goldfish, mollies, tiger barbs, betta fish, and paradise fish. As for fiddler crabs, I don't know if they would eat them but since they are scavangers I wouldn't be surprized if they did.

 

[Wy Renegade]

I would still feed just maybe not as much. You're talking about the tiny white worms right? I have some in one of my Betta tanks & I can't seem to get rid of them completely, there aren't many thankfully. He doesn't eat them or if he does he doesn't eat very many. Yours might eat some but I don't think it's enough or contains all the nutrition needed. I could of course be completely wrong.

I agree with this as well, I would continue to feed but perhaps not as often or as much. You definitely don't want to starve your fish because you think they are getting too much food.

 

[ktomminello]

Sorry I've been busy finally have the time to check back in and respond (mobile device crashes). I did feed, but only the crabs would eat. I got worried about my betta so I moved him into a temporary 2.5g for observation- he was fine from the beginning, had a horribly voracious appetite. I put him back the next day, didn't feed that day and cut back feeding to every other day. I put in some biofloss from my lfs owner and lowered the ph just slightly. I still probably have some planaria, but none are visible any more. Thanks for the list of planaria eaters. Ironically I own mostly betta and the gourami you mentioned. thanks guys!!