infestation of tiny white worms on aquarium glass

Question
Dear Trish
I have an issue with tiny worms appearing on my aquarium glass.These creatures measure about 2mm in size.I have been told by my local aquatics shop that they have come from food that has not been eaten by my fish which has decayed over a period of time.The tank size is 180 litres,I have a sevrum ,two parrot fish ,five cichlid fish and a common pleco inhabitating the tank.I have conducted a 40% water change , hoover the gravel daily and are giving the fish minimum food requirements (twice daily).I have been told that there is no chemical treatment for these worms and they don't appear to be harming the fish as they have been in the tank 3 weeks now.Is there anything else I can do to eradicate these tiny unsightly creatures ?

              Thanks Martin

Answer
Hi Martin.  I can't be 100% positive because I can't see the "worms" on your glass, but I'm guessing you have a planaria outbreak.  Rather then sit here and type it all out, I'm going to give you a website that should help you to start getting rid of these guys.  In addition, I would either cut back on the amount I'm feeding 2 times a day, or just feed them once per day.  2 times is not really necessary as they can "pick" on the algae and things growing naturally in the tank.  Fish are natural beggars, so don't let them trick you in to thinking they are starving to death!!  Here's the site:  http://www.aquariumcorner.com/planaria.htm

Also, please be sure to keep up on weekly tank maintenance and partial water changes.  This website will help you on the correct procedures for cleaning your tank.  There is also so much more info on this site, you might want to take some time to check it out! This site was created by a friend of mine who has been in the aquarium business for almost 30 years, and I trust him completely.  Any info you find on this site I can guarantee is the most up to date information.  Here's that site:  http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_cleaning.html

Good luck.  If I can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to write me back.    ;o)