critters in the filter

[tlk]

I use an emperor 400 ho filter. I was changing the filter today and noticed a bunch of little critters (pods?) swimming around. Should they be dumped back into the main tank?

 

[broncofish]

If you have a mandarin definately, if not I would just dump half in, and leave the other half to reproduce in a safe place. Either way if they found their way in there once they will do it again.

 

[daniel411]

I've never heard of anyone complain about having to many pods. Hmm.. good question, can you have too many pods?

 

[broncofish]

no unless it is a Cirolanid Isopods

 

[tlk]

Originally posted by Daniel411
I've never heard of anyone complain about having to many pods. Hmm.. good question, can you have too many pods?
I am not complaining. I am wondering if they should be dumped back into the main tank.

 

[bwmichael21]

Do you know if its possible to buy these pods ? to get a colony started in a tank ?

 

[cb]

I would like to know the answer to this question also.

 

[lesa]

That is one scary looking creature!!

 

[jjetjock]

Keep them for sure. I have them in my canister filter every time I clean it also.

 

[lesleybird]

Originally posted by broncofish
no unless it is a Cirolanid Isopods
What the H is that in the picture? Is that for real? How big are they and what do they do? Are they good for the tank? Or trouble makers? Looks like some freaky mean alien!!! I hope that is a hudge enlargement??
Lesley

 

[killafins]

it is, this type of isopods are round the same size as copepods...

 

[sammystingray]

Here's a giant isopod....freaky as well!!! I prefer them small without much detail personally.

 

[lesa]

Hey Cb I hope that thing growing in your filter systems does not look like that
I really liked them before the blown up pictures
Talk about nightmares since the tank is on my side of the bed.
Somethings are better off not known

 

[chuckularone]

Lesa, just try not to think about the dust mites in your bed

Then again they are just like your own personal clean up crew.

 

[broncofish]

Let me clarify that the pictures myself and sammy have posted are NOT COPEPODS, the are isopods, often refered to as fish lice. I believe my picture comes from bang guy. They are not all that common. The one that Sammy had posted is downright scary and will never be seen in an aquarium.

 

[lurch694u]

Maybe we should start a show me your pods thread. It would be interesting to see all of those pods close up like that.
Maybe a new challenge for ryebread
I wonder if a macro on a camera can get that close?

 

[broncofish]

Originally posted by Lurch694u
Maybe a new challenge for ryebread
I wonder if a macro on a camera can get that close?
I don't think it would actually be much of a challange for rye......and yes they can get up that close, Bang has some great pod pics.

 

[lesa]

Okay so we sleep with a night lite on now

 

[cb]

That's pretty scary looking and I don't want a close-up of the one in my filter because i would prbably never touch the filter again. Lesa-- Just when you thought it was safe because you caught the crab.LOL better just keep the night light a burnin.

 

[lesa]

I will, I will