how do you get rid of planaria?

[hbeth82]

I have a 1gal tank dedicated to raising snails (turtle snacks) and recently noticed tiny white worms. After a bit of panicking and researching, discovered that they are most likely planaria. Figure there's a good chance that over-feeding is to blame as I usually put a bit of algae wafer or chunk of cucumber in there for them once or twice a week. But, since it is a snail tank, can't go with the usual feeding guidelines like with fish (at least my snails don't come up to get fed). Any recommendations on how I can get rid of the little planaria and hopefully keep them from coming back?

 

[mfdrookie516]

fish will eat them... any chance you could stick a couple fish in the tank for a few days? in a snail tank like that, since you basically have to overfeed, i dont think you'll have much of a way to prevent it

 

[hbeth82]

Thanks. Kinda what I figured in terms of feeding. They seem to clear up a bit when I put veggies in there but not fully gone. Don't have any fish that I dislike enough to put in there, but could be a good time to get a few more guppies. Some sites say that aquarium salt can help get rid of the plenaria, any thoughts?

 

[mfdrookie516]

i've never had them, but i have always heard they come in from flake food... not sure if thats true or not.

 

[hbeth82]

Since they get worse when I put algae wafers in there, I'd believe it. Probably stick with cucumber or zucchini from now on and invest in a few guppies. May try salt if the guppies don't help. Thanks!

 

[HooKooDooKu]

My thoughts are, since they are not parasitic, then just leave them alone unless they are causing an issue.