In the piece of white filter matting you will see little red worms.  These are Blood Worms.  They are only found in healthy systems because they can not live in dirty water.

click to enlarge photo for details

Blood worms are about 5mm long and 1mm in diameter. They appear smooth - no legs, hooks, teeth, eyes, etc, bright red in color.

Consider this candy for the fish.  You don't see them in the pond because the fish gobble them up. So, mostly they are found where the fish can not get to them.  Places like filters are great hiding spots for them