How to get rid of planaria in an aquarium

One of the most effective ways to get rid of planarians is to use traps. Usually, they are a hollow vessel, the end of which has a cone-shaped opening, tapering inwards. The principle of operation is as follows: a bait is placed in the trap, planarians slide onto it, penetrating into the vessel through the hole. Due to the shape of the cone, it is almost impossible for them to get back.

To increase the effectiveness of the trap, you should first clean the aquarium, removing as much food debris as possible, and no longer feed the fish / shrimp. In the absence of other food, the planarians will have no choice but to crawl into the trap to the bait.

How to make a planarian trap

You will need only a few items that can be purchased at the nearest pharmacy.

Plastic cone – These are used for blood tests or other fluids. The main thing is that it has a plastic cover.

Needles from syringes – one or two needles are enough. Caps from them will also come in handy.

Bait – Since these flatworms are carnivorous, a piece of shrimp is a good choice.

Needles/needles from syringes are cut off from the plastic base to form a cone. They will become the entrance for the little planarians. If there are also large individuals in the aquarium, then a separate “door” should be prepared for them. It will be a cap from a needle with a pre-cut tip.

Appropriate holes are made in the cap from the cone. Needle/needle cones and a cap are inserted into them. The bait is placed in the trap and twisted with a lid with inlets. The trap is placed on the bottom. It remains only to wait.

The trap can also be purchased at pet stores or ordered online. In search engines, you should also type “planarian trap” or “trap planaria”.

What not to do

They must not be crushed, cut or attempted to cause injury. They are distinguished by an amazing ability to regenerate, so it is impossible to harm them. Moreover, if you cut one individual in half, you can get two new ones.

What is the danger of planarians for fish and shrimp

They cannot directly harm the inhabitants of the aquarium. However, planarians pose a threat to eggs, and if there are a lot of them, then small shrimps can also attack. In addition, they produce a dangerous toxin that irritates the gills of fish and is poisonous to shrimp and shellfish.

How planaria get into the aquarium

The main source of getting these uninvited guests into the aquarium is the use of untreated snags and aquatic plants, live food taken from a natural reservoir, such as a lake or pond, in the design.