Planaria in the aquarium: how to get rid of? Step by step instructions

When there are planaria in the aquarium, it becomes a cause for concern, and these worms appear as something quite unattractive. Is it worth much to worry about and it is actually dangerous are these creatures? Today we get to know them better, learn how to fight with planaria in an aquarium and also what are the preventive measures.

Description

Planaria — it is flat worms, coating the scalp, similar to a small cilia. Main their habitats are freshwater ponds. However, some species of planarians can be both in the sea water, at least — on land. In nature there are many species of these worms, which are distributed worldwide. Adults of some worms living in the wild, can reach a length of 40 cm,

In home aquariums the most common white-dairy, brown and mourning planarian. Feature of parasites is that they prefer a nocturnal life. Planaria in the aquarium, hiding behind rocks, in the midst of plants. Therefore, to find them uneasy, especially if it is brown or funeral of hearts.

Fish don't eat them as they are poisonous skin glands that produce dangerous toxic substances. The only exceptions are labyrinth fish (bettas, gourami) that live in a freshwater aquarium. So they willingly eat the parasites and their eggs. In a marine aquarium, these worms prefer different types of wrasses.

The Main food of planaria — protein food. The basis of their diet consists of small invertebrates, particularly shrimps and crustaceans. They love to eat fish eggs, snails, and crustaceans, as well as their food. Often planaria in aquarium (photo below) attack the adults. They are able to get under their armour and clog their gills, causing suffocation. Then worms eat the victim.

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Not less damage cause planarian in a marine aquarium. Due to the tremendous speed of reproduction of the parasites is capable of in a matter of months to cover a solid crust live rocks, corals, glass and soil. Covered with secretions of planarians corals start to suffocate and eventually die. In addition in the presence of the parasites the walls of the tank become unsightly.

Where are planaria

The Reasons for the emergence of ciliated worms can be several. They are often put together with the untreated soil or plants. Also planaria can get together with toys and furnishings from the old aquarium. As the source of infection can be live food or newly accommodate the inhabitants.

When released into the aquarium, the worms begin to multiply very fast, laying eggs under stones, plant leaves or in the soil. The active reproduction of planarians contributes to irregular cleaning of the aquarium and changing temperatures.

How to detect parasites

To determine the presence of planaria in the aquarium, you need to exercise some powers of observation.

First, carefully observe the behavior of fish. If among them will be individuals who from time to time I shake my head from side to side, it can be assumed that their gills are attacked by flatworms.

Second, the presence of parasites can indicate a lack of fry, although previously it has been observed that eggs and fish were postponed.

To Detect the planaria on the glass, if suddenly to switch on the lights in the aquarium.

Fight with planaria in aquarium

To get Rid of parasites is difficult. This is due to the fact that the planaria's very tenacious and has the ability to soproizvodnje. In other words, if you cut it into pieces, each of which subsequently grows a tail and head. According to some, to resume the whole organism only 1/279 of the body of planarians. Moreover, these worms can easily go to “suicide”: in case of threat to life, their body splits into pieces. This ability in medicine is called "autotomy". In addition, these parasites are able to withstand quite a long hunger strike.

And yet, with some effort, it is possible not only to reduce their numbers, but also to withdraw them at all.

It is Worth noting that in aquariums where the fish live, to cope with the task much easier. Some types of fish, for example pretty hungry cichlids and makropody, will help get rid of worms fast and for sure. After all, these fish are resistant to the toxic mucus ciliated worms. But to do that the shrimp guy is very problematic. This will require a large and laborious work.

Physical methods of struggle

When you got planaria in aquarium, how to get rid of these parasites? Aquarists have thought up some ways that help to destroy the planaria.

Of Course, daily mechanically clean and rinse the rocks, plants, filters, aquarium walls and various objects, thereby washing away the planarians.

To destroy parasite eggs, the soil must be removed and boil. However, such manipulations are quite lengthy, and the expected effect is not always guaranteed, as the eggs of the parasite is so resistant that can withstandeven boiling. And soon all this may simply be bored.

One of the most popular ways to kill planaria is the use of mechanical traps. To do this in a gauze bag put Solenoe beef or squid, and hang the bait at night near the ground or among the plants. The aquarium at this time should not be lit. In the morning, in dim light, carefully remove the bag caught worms, and then the trap immediately immersed in boiling water.

Also for catching worms often use special glass or plastic vessel with holes. This trap can be purchased at the store or make yourself. The hole in the vessel is made in such a way that, getting in on the bait food, planaria can not get out.

It is Worth noting that this technique requires patience. Provincial lure it is necessary to conduct several days to clear after emerging from the eggs the young.

Chemicals

As the withdrawal of planarians from the aquarium? This question worries many aquarists.

Today, the easiest and most reliable method of getting rid of planaria is the use of drugs, which contains fenbendazole. These include "Flubendazole", "Fluviral", "Fluvisol" or "Panacur". The main active substance does not harm the permanent inhabitants of the aquarium, but effective in the fight against planaria.

The recommended dose of fenbendazole is 0.2-0.4 g per 100 l of water. After a day or two after the drug killed all the planaria. And fenbendazol in the form of a suspension gives a more rapid effect than its equivalent in powder, as the latter is poorly soluble in water. The dead worms are found adhering to the walls of the aquarium. Therefore, the final stage in the struggle with parasites is mechanical cleaning and water changes.

Home remedies

If there is planaria in the tank as a simple and good way to destroy them, apply a concentrated salt solution in a ratio of 1 g per 1 l of water. However, in this case it is important to consider one thing: plants, for which saline can be harmful, better to remove.

No less effective is 0.5% or 0.25% solution of vinegar. Certainly, more effective would be vinegar solution at a concentration of 0.25%. But if extreme measures were necessary, it is better to prefer more gentle option.

After acetic or saline treatment all of the items present in the aquarium should be thoroughly rinsed in clean water, so as not to cause further harm to fishes and prawns. After that you should change the water in the aquarium.

Also if there is planaria in the tank to get rid of them by using different chemicals, passage through the water charge current (12) water heating. However, all these methods are dangerous for shrimp and snails. Need to apply them to a clear awareness of the risks and possible consequences.

Preventive measures

To prevent the appearance of uninvited guests in the form of planarians, it is necessary to regularly clean the tank and to prevent its contamination. The bodies of the dead fish and uneaten food should not remain long in the aquarium, as there will be a process of putrefaction.

Due attention should be paid to the filters — rinse and clean them in a timely manner.

To Carry the plants and decor in the aquarium better after pre-treatment with acetic solution and a thorough rinse with water.