last night!!!!

[salt one]

ok, i have a 75 gallon reef tank and over 75 #'s of live rock. last night about 1 am, i decided to look in my tank to see what was going on, it had been pitch black in the room for about 4 hours and when i turned the light on the rock was filled with little things walking around everywhere, they reminded me of insects and worms. i have never seen these things before and i have had the tank for awhile now, what are they? are the good or bad, and if they are bad what can i get to eat them? thanks

 

[rickt4du]

probably copeopods??(sp) little whits bugs
that look like a cross between a roach and a roly poly potato bug....ive got tons of these...I'm told a mandarin goby will feast on them i have not tried yet but...
I did have one of those "bugs" attach itself to my dragon wrasse...i had to catch the fish and get it off...all's well though....
maybe some other posts will help more
rick

 

[kris]

I agree with sundog--I find it absolutely fascinating to watch all these creatures, for the longest time I spent more time staring at these rocks than I did enjoying my fish. Unfortunately, I still don't know what half of them are and see something different every time I look. I have not purchased anything to rid myself of these creatures because I am not sure they pose a threat. Hopefully some one more knowledgeable in reefs will be able to tell you for sure. Good Luck
Sorry-I wish I knew, but I don't

 

[mr . salty]

They are copapods,and amphapods,and they are a good thing. A manderine would feast on them. They are among the hundreds of organisms that make plankton. It's a sign your tank is doing well.........STEVE

 

[mako]

About a year ago I bought a remake of an army issued flashlite [or tourch].You know the one bent in a right angle that come with asorted color lens, and installed the red lens almost every morning I check out my tank befor going to work and I am amazed at all the little critters running around in there when the lights are off.
Many of my soft corals are primarily nocturnal and this also gives me an opportunity to check there health and condition, as the red spectrum is less visible.

 

[rickt4du]

I also use a red light.....a laser pen...
works great!!!!!
anybody know if laser is harmful to the fish?
rick

 

[krazzydart]

get yourself a mandrin ,,, he'll eat them up... as well as any other fish...[

 

[mr . salty]

I've seen a laser thats made to go into your tank. They claim it is safe,and a cool show. I wouldn't,and didn't buy it...........STEVE

 

[kris]

I saw the same thing the other day in the store! Three lights -blue, green, and purple. Thought it would be really cool, throw Floyd in the cd player, grab a beer, kick back and watch the light show! I didn't buy one, but tell me why you don't think it would be a good idea?

 

[salt one]

thanks for the info, makes me feel better about what i saw!

 

[mr . salty]

I don't think lasers are a good idea because all the ones i've seen have a warning "do not aim at eyes,could burn the retna" I'd be afraid it would blind the fish......... I do agree it would be cool. Imagine the reflected light on the walls and ceiling. STEVE

 

[salt one]

yeah, i just got a manderine and the thing died, or i saw it dead then i went back to get it out and i haven't seen it since! not cool