Creatures in filter

[rock cod]

Every time I clean my canister filter out, I see these little white shrimp I think swimming around, they also end up down the drain when I rinse them off of my sponges, what are those things and are they benefical to the tank.

 

[03]

THEY ARE HELPFUL IF YOU HAVE SOME FISH IN THERE TO EAT THEM FREE FOOD!!

 

[nm reef]

sounds like copepods/amphipods.......can be good to have in your system and pose no threat..........

 

[b_ball12_99]

I agree with the above posts. (.) is a copepode and (--) is an amphipode.

 

[q]

It is a sign of a healthy tank if they are the pods. You should be able to see more after lights are out. Look in your tank with a flash light and you will probably see a lot more. They live in the live rock and sand.

 

[tangs_in_pacifica]

Copepods are about the size of a grain of rice...

I believe that Amphipods get a bit bigger and look like this...

Both of them are great for you tank, so throw them back or send 'em our way