Moving white specks on aquarium glass

[AlexFishKeeper]

This morning while checking in on my 3 week old shrimp tank, I found countless little white specks moving quickly and aimlessly around the aquarium glass. These guys look just like a grain of sugar. I believe they came in on my anacharis, which also had white or brown specks, but were so close together they basically looked like a sheet. From what I've researched, they're harmless microscopic crustaceans. Is this true? Thanks!

 

[ScotJudd]

I have, what sounds the same, in my tank. I believe them to be freshwater limpets. They only grow to 1-2mm across. They don't seem to cause any harm, may be beneficial in algae control.
Their numbers go up and down and I expect they get higher with over feeding , which I try to avoid, but am sometimes guilty of.
Any other ideas?

 

[Sf1]

Maybe planaria? Take a photo pls.

 

[Caliban07]

Just cut down on food. Shrimp really don't need a lot.

 

[AlexFishKeeper]

I would take a photo, but they're far too small for my camera to capture. It's challenging to see them normally!

 

[Caliban07]

I would take a photo, but they're far too small for my camera to capture. It's challenging to see them normally!

Most probably freshwater planaria. They are particularly common in shrimp tanks due to overfeeding. I had some the other week. I cut feeding down and they disappeared. I break off a tiny piece of algae wafer and drop it in once a week.

 

[AlexFishKeeper]

Ok thanks! Are they harmful?

 

[Caliban07]

Ok thanks! Are they harmful?

No. They will die out when food runs out.

 

[AlexFishKeeper]

Oh great thank you!! I realize this May be a dumb question- would they use fertilizer tabs as a source of food?

 

[Kittykat364]

I had some in my snail tank at one point and I cut waay back on feeding and they died.

 

[Caliban07]

Oh great thank you!! I realize this May be a dumb question- would they use fertilizer tabs as a source of food?

I don't think so.

 

[AlexFishKeeper]

Oh that's good! Thanks everyone! I appreciate it!