Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I siphoned out some of the solids that had setteled in the sump today. I put the outlet end of the hose in a filter basket so I could save the solids. There were 100s of small very red I assume paracitic worms in the sludge. They were all the same size about 1 cm and thin with tiny arms or pinchers on 1 end. Anyone know what they are. I have blue tilapia in the fish tank.
Thanks

Mosquito larva. Did they look like this?



Throw some fish in the sump!

They look like the red one i am trying to post a picture.
Thanks

Definitely mosquito larve, then. Are you covered in mosquito bites yet?

Fish in sump should clear them up, also free supplemental food!

I guess I need to try different fish. I put 2 small local bass in it for that reason. Guess I need to try a goldfish or something. Now I know how mosquitos are getting in my siphon. Every time I take the cap off one they fly out. The holes in the cap are too small for them to get in that way so guess they are in the water from the sump.
Thanks for the info

Today I put a fine mesh screen under the fish tank outflow to the sump. After a couple of hours it had the same red worms. Just want to be sure everyone is in agreement they are mosquito larvae. I would think the Tilapia would take care of them in the fish tank.

I'm almost certain they are mosquito larva, especially after you said you see adults when checking your siphon.. definitely open to other ideas though.

It's possibly you have picky fish as discussed earlier in your BSFL thread... Did they ever get around to eating the BSFL?

Describe your system / post pics. I'd check every bin/bucket/tote of water in your system, as it might not be solely in the ST & FT

I think not.
I think you will find they are blood worms or midge fly larvae which are common in ap systems.

Dan--- The fish will only eat 10 BSFL per feeding any more and they float for hours. I am giving my BSF bins to a friend with chickens. They love them. I have given him several thousand already.

Skeggley-- I have heard that either British or Aussies call mosquitos a midge fly. I will google those and see what I can find.
Thanks and the more info I get and the more oppinions the better. i just need a direction to look.

Anyone else with a thought or two I am listening.

Thanks to All

After reading about the midge fly and bloodworms (their larvae) and looking at photos I have to agree that they are what I have. I am going to catch an adult from my syphons and look at it closely tomorrow. Here is a picture of the sludge as it came out of the sump.

Yep, blood worms. They come from nowhere, even in an inside breeding tank which is a closed system. I scoop them up and use as supplemental feed for baby yabbies. If you get too many then freeze them in an ice cube tray with a bit of water then feed in summer to fish which also acts as a coolant.

Those solids are selling in your sump? Looks a bit sandy.. Can't be good for the pump

Dan they look sandy but I guess the bloodworms break it down that way. It is very slimy and smooth between my fingers. It has been 2 months since I cleaned it. I captured some adult flys and they look a lot like mosquetos but fuzzy antenna and no bill on the 20 I looked at.
Thanks to all

Are these blood worms harmful to my edible plants? Is there any health risk to me and my family?