ID Pod please, good or bad?

[azfishgal]

Or is it a shrimp? It stretches out like one and this one is almost the size of a decent size pill bug (you know, those rolie polies). Is my tank in trouble? I picked them off my filter pad when I was doing my water change. In picking them off I also picked off a small sponge and they seem to migrate to it, can't tell if they are eating it or not, but they seem to like it.

 

[azfishgal]

I'm thinking this is an Amphipod. Is that right? If so then that's good, right? I still have them in a bowl because I don't want to put them back in the tank until I know they are safe.

 

[teen]

ive heard of bad isopods, but it doesnt look like any of the pics ive ever seen. just looks like an amphipod to me. i wouldnt worry about it.
the ones that attach to your fish are the ones you have to watch out for.

 

[azfishgal]

Thanks teen.
Does anyone else have an opinion before I stick these little guys back in my tank.

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by azfishgal
Thanks teen.
Does anyone else have an opinion before I stick these little guys back in my tank.
SAFE AMPHIPOD! I gots millions as well in za fugeee.....

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
SAFE AMPHIPOD! I gots millions as well in za fugeee.....
Thanks, that's where I found them, well stuck in the filter pad. I was really surprised one was so big, for a pod anyway. It makes it hard for them to get up into the DT because I have a blue/white filter pad just before the return, it's just the way my sump is set up. I'll have to see about leaving some cheoto in my DT for a short time so the little guys can escape.

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by azfishgal
Thanks, that's where I found them, well stuck in the filter pad. I was really surprised one was so big, for a pod anyway. It makes it hard for them to get up into the DT because I have a blue/white filter pad just before the return, it's just the way my sump is set up. I'll have to see about leaving some cheoto in my DT for a short time so the little guys can escape.
Yup,, i have some in mine that could easily be 1/8" but the output of my fuge there is no filter or floss so some get into the DT. BUT I NEVER see them, only one night I went by the tank with a flashlight and i saw maybe 30 or 40 on the glass, but scurried away when I shined the light on them. WHOLE nother world at night AZ.

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
WHOLE nother world at night AZ.
Funny that you said this. I had a flashlight last night looking into my tank to see if I can see the "night life." I saw nothing!

Doesn't mean they were not there though. The light probably wasn't off long enough for the night critters to come out.

 

[happyhourh]

Yeah...that is a safe amphipod. You should set your alarm for like 4am and bust out a small light(red is better) and look at all the stuff in there. I love night viewing and it makes midnight piss trips worth the loss of sleep.

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by happyhourh
Yeah...that is a safe amphipod. You should set your alarm for like 4am and bust out a small light(red is better) and look at all the stuff in there. I love night viewing and it makes midnight piss trips worth the loss of sleep.

I'll remember that. I have woke up several times this past week, unable to sleep. So next time instead of staring at the walls I'll get up and watch the night critters. I guess I'll have to invest in a red light.

 

[autofreak44]

Originally Posted by azfishgal

I'll remember that. I have woke up several times this past week, unable to sleep. So next time instead of staring at the walls I'll get up and watch the night critters. I guess I'll have to invest in a red light.
flashlight and red paper! works for me

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by autofreak44
flashlight and red paper! works for me

Great idea!!! Thanks!

 

[renogaw]

red tissue paper works really well, just use a rubber band around the lens holder.
I've been looking for a red lens for a flashlight, but it seems they only sell them for night vision goggles. a customer of mine has a cool energizer head flashlight that has a red led but he wouldn't give it up

 

[gillyweed]

Take a look at mini maglights; they have sets that come with various lens covers (red, blue, etc).
You can usually find them at the Big home stores

 

[shrimpi]

heres some 'not as common' pods. some are bad. They are distinctively differnt from the pods you will see normally in your tank.