Help with ID

[jocoxvt]

So as many of you know I have been cycling my tank for almost two weeks now. My question is I have now seen two worm type things on or in my live rock since I started the cycling process. The first one I saw was either one big one that wrapped through two holes or two small ones but it was orangish red in color and almost looked like a catepillar but not nearly as fat obviously. The other one I just saw today and was a grayish brown and also looked like a catepillar. I tried to get a picture of the second one but couldnt get my camera to focus properly to get a good shot of it. My first thought was that they are bristle worms, do these fit the bill. And also my LFS said to take them out because they could be harmful but I thought they acted like the cleaner up crew? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
jocoxVT

 

[bigarn]

Most likely bristleworms...no need to take them out, they're good clean up members.

 

[jocoxvt]

Thanks for the quick reply bigarn...literally right after I posted my first message I caught another glimpse and snapped a semi decent picture. Here is what he looks like.

 

[bigarn]

Yep.....Bristleworm...keep em.

 

[jocoxvt]

Once again thanks for all your help Bigarn, and everyone on this board for that matter, I really appreciate all the help you all have provided. On another note I was just checking a lot of my levels and currently ph is 8.1, ammonia~0, NitrIte-.05, Nitrate~5, phosphate~.01 numbers are dropping each week after the big jump in the first week. My question is my SG is roughly 1.025-1.026, this is a little high correct, with that being the case does that mean I need to add more salt to the water or does that mean there is to much salt in the water? Obviously if it means to much salt in the water I can just add water. But if it is to low how do I effectively add salt to reach the correct SG? Once again thanks in advance.
jocoxVT

 

[clarkiiclo]

That salinity is a bit high. When you do your water changes dont add so much salt. If you top off between water changes just add RO water.

 

[meadbhb]

Hiya,
The SG might be fine. What is the temp of the tank? If it's 80-82 you're probably okay. If it's lower, yeah, bring the GS down to aboutr 1.024-1.023.
Meadbhb

 

[jocoxvt]

Sorry I really didnt follow you its reading like 1.026. If that is high is that saying that there is to much salt in the water?

 

[cayman isl]

Yes, you are correct, The higher the reading the more salinity or salt content. Around 1.024 or 1.025 is good for inverts at around 80 degress F.
When you replenish your water after it evaporates are you adding in salt water or just regular RO?

 

[bigarn]

Originally posted by jocoxVT
Sorry I really didnt follow you its reading like 1.026. If that is high is that saying that there is to much salt in the water?
There's an equation for converting SG to salinity. Salinity reading is the important one. 35ppt is just about perfect.
Temperature does play into the equation.

 

[jocoxvt]

Im using RO water because I get it for 50 cents a gallon at my LFS just going to use that till I can get an RO/DI unit. But its really strange because like I just tested it again and its above the top notch of 1.032 I top off every day and this just started happening. I store salt water 24 hours in advanced when doing water changes and those reading are always correct also. Is it possible to be something with my hydrometer?

 

[bigarn]

Make sure there are no bubbles in it when testing. Tap it a few times to be sure there aren't. If you still get high readings try a refractomometer....more accurate.

 

[cayman isl]

Try testing your stored SW and see what the reading is. Then test you tank water, and even test some tap water. See if your swing-arm is reacting to the 3 different samples. As Bigarn said, if there are any bubbles it will throw it off. also make sure you rinse it out real good after use as the salt built up on the arm will cause you to get bad readings. (until it dissolves of course)
Also, what salt mix are you using and how do you mix it? Do you follow the directions on the bucket/bag? I know that Instant Ocean says to add a 1/2 cup for every gallon. Not sure what the others recommend but could be similar. If you are adding too much from the beginning that could be the Problem.
From the sound of it though, you may have a tweaked hydrometer. Hopefully that it's it and not an actual salinity problem.
Good luck!