I'm sure this isnt a problem but I've never seen it before..

[LazySlacker]

I've had a 10 gallon tank since about last february. I didnt do so well at first with fish keeping, but I've gotten better and have had a well established and healthy tank since about July. I was doing a water change today and I noticed in the water that I vacuumed out of the tank that there were really small white worms swimming around near the surface of the water. they werent more than the thickness of a piece of fine string.

I'm sure this is very common and the worms may have been around for a long time, but I have not been aware of them before now. I thought I would ask this forum about them. I'd like to know if they're bad for my aquarium.

 

[Jchillin]

More than likely they are nemtodes. These guys are quite normal but should be removed when you see them. They can be deterred with proper maintenance and careful feeding.

 

[Devilishturtles]

I agree. Harmless nematodes/planaria. They can "bloom" in numbers when there is an overabundance of nutrients in your tank. Feed less, or vaccum your gravel more often, and they will go away.