Worm like creature appeared in ignored aqauarium that was between fish

[mcbanales]

Total newbie to aquariums and their care. Our daughter’s tank had sat ignored in between fish and now we have creatures this may be something I should be able to identify but hoping you can help.
There are many of them, swimming around. They look segmented with a bump on one end. Clearish in color with black on both ends but end looks split. Pretty sure I saw them eating at the surface of the water and then they wiggle/ swim around. I am
planning to empty the tank because it needed to be done before we get new fish, but want to know how careful I need to be in doing so. Thanks!

 

[SlugSnorter]

Total newbie to aquariums and their care. Our daughter’s tank had sat ignored in between fish and now we have creatures this may be something I should be able to identify but hoping you can help.
There are many of them, swimming around. They look segmented with a bump on one end. Clearish in color with black on both ends but end looks split. Pretty sure I saw them eating at the surface of the water and then they wiggle/ swim around. I am
planning to empty the tank because it needed to be done before we get new fish, but want to know how careful I need to be in doing so. Thanks! Blurry pic of one

picture?
that pick isnt working just upload the file

also, maybe consider a different hobby, saltwater aquariums need a lot of work and it might be better to go with something else

 

[mcbanales]

picture?
that pick isnt working just upload the file

also, maybe consider a different hobby, saltwater aquariums need a lot of work and it might be better to go with something else

Oh sorry, is this forum for salt water aquariums? This is freshwater. I just was distracted and trying to figure out how to proceed without risking my children and own health in case it was something worrisome and thought this forum could help upon quick searches.
I couldn’t figure out how to load a picture directly but will try again.
It was a tank for my daughters beta and future compatible fish and was trying to do the right thing rather than the typical too small tank.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

Looks like mosquito larvae in a freshwater tank.

 

[SlugSnorter]

Total newbie to aquariums and their care. Our daughter’s tank had sat ignored in between fish and now we have creatures this may be something I should be able to identify but hoping you can help.
There are many of them, swimming around. They look segmented with a bump on one end. Clearish in color with black on both ends but end looks split. Pretty sure I saw them eating at the surface of the water and then they wiggle/ swim around. I am
planning to empty the tank because it needed to be done before we get new fish, but want to know how careful I need to be in doing so. Thanks!

larvae, most likely mosquito harmless but displeasing to look at. it can happen if your tank water does not have enough movement

 

[mcbanales]

.

 

[mcbanales]

Wow my reply was a mess, trying again…
Ah okay thanks! Yes, they are gross. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that or come across it in my own searches!
We had turned it off while figuring out what to do and I know I shouldn’t have
Going to empty and try again.

 

[Karen00]

If this is a freshwater tank then I agree this looks like mosquito larvae. You don't want those because so many mosquitos Carey disease (for people and dogs). You need more water movement. If you shut down the pump/filter down because it wasn't being used that is probably why this happened. If the pump is still running then you might need a bubbler to agitate the surface more. If you shut the pump down then you probably killed all of your beneficial bacteria. You will have to clean the pump/filter as well and restart your cycle before adding fish again. Tanks need maintaining (freshwater and even more so saltwater).

 

[mcbanales]

If this is a freshwater tank then I agree this looks like mosquito larvae. You don't want those because so many mosquitos Carey disease (for people and dogs). You need more water movement. If you shut down the pump/filter down because it wasn't being used that is probably why this happened. If the pump is still running then you might need a bubbler to agitate the surface more. If you shut the pump down then you probably killed all of your beneficial bacteria. You will have to clean the pump/filter as well and restart your cycle before adding fish again. Tanks need maintaining (freshwater and even more so saltwater).

Thanks for the information. I turned the filter back on for now, it was completely off after we had left it running and couldn’t decide what to do next.
Yes, I plan to start over, very much a beginner at this and didn’t feel confident in the water to start with after our first failed attempt. We have all the supplies to maintain it and know it’s not something to ignore or not take care of.

 

[mcbanales]

Is there a way to close this or stop comments at this point?

 

[Karen00]

Not sure if threads can be closed but maybe @revhtree can assist.

 

[SlugSnorter]

Oh sorry, is this forum for salt water aquariums? This is freshwater. I just was distracted and trying to figure out how to proceed without risking my children and own health in case it was something worrisome and thought this forum could help upon quick searches.
I couldn’t figure out how to load a picture directly but will try again.
It was a tank for my daughters beta and future compatible fish and was trying to do the right thing rather than the typical too small tank.

I wish you luck in your fish keeping time, and in any case, you can skim the larvae out, they pose no risk to humans until they hatch an become mosquitos which could be very annoying