New To This World

[dees]

I set up a very basic tank a little over a year ago because I was stupid enough to bring back a couple of small hermits and fiddler crabs from the ocean. I thought it would be a good learning experience for our boys. It was and however over a period of just a few months the hermits grew so large in size that we ended up taking them back and releasing them. One small fiddler has survived and stayed very small so he doesn't seem to be a problem. We have since introduced three small fish - 2 damsels and one clown fish.
Now for the problem (maybe, I don't know). In the past two months I seem to have some kind of white build up forming on the rocks and sides of the tank (even on my snail). It looks like small (about the size of a straight pin head) white curlique. Their hard and I have to scrape them off with a clean soft scratch pad.
Any idea what this is and where it comes from?
Thanks!

 

[threed240]

Sounds like tube worms. There harmless, filter feeders. They come and go in new aquariums. What size tank is this?

 

[dees]

They are very small. The tank is only a 25 gallon tank. These things don't really look like worms, but who knows. They don't seem to be creating any problems.
I was just curious at this point.

 

[lexluethar]

I have the same things, i don't believe they are harmful. They have very small red things sticking out of the middle. And they kind of circular in shape.

 

[threed240]

There a good sign!

 

[royal gang]

Good sign? I have a TON (couple hundreds) behind my aquarium in the rear glass...

 

[dees]

That sounds exactly like what I have. Should I just leave them alone? I scrap them off the glass once in a while just so I can see clearly.
I also seem to have acquired some type of fairly long worm, reddish brown in color, with a million legs. Are these dangerous? They must have hitched a ride with a piece of live rock I bought.

 

[dees]

Oh, and two really strange looking creatures. They're flatish, oval shaped & schmuck to the glass similar to a snail, but usually just under the sand. They are whitish in color.

 

[threed240]

Those are pods (Copods). They are also very benificial. I have a million of em in my sump. You can search for info on Copods on this site. The copods eat left over food, and detrius from sand and rocks. Sounds like you have a very healthy tank. Just do your normal tests, and keep up with water changes, and it will continue to thrive...

 

[threed240]

Originally Posted by DeeS
I also seem to have acquired some type of fairly long worm, reddish brown in color, with a million legs. Are these dangerous? They must have hitched a ride with a piece of live rock I bought.
Those are bristle worms. Also benificial in moderate quantities. Do you have any pics of these, or do they look like this?

 

[dees]

Yes, they look just like that, although they are usually hiding in or under shells or in the live rock - GROSS!!! But then, I don't like worms!

 

[dees]

I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but I have only done three water changes in the past year. (Something must be right.) I just bought my first test kit today since it looks like everything is going to live. I have heard so many horror stories about how tough salt water tanks can be, but this has been incredibly easy and very low maintenance! The kids love it!

 

[threed240]

If you maintain it, its easy. Just don't let it get put on the back burner, if you know what i mean. Water changes are a chore normally, but try to keep up with them and everything will flourish. I didn't mention it earlier, but welcome to the boards. There is a ton of info on almost every situation possible on here. Good luck.

 

[shinobi9119]

Originally Posted by Threed240
If you maintain it, its easy. Just don't let it get put on the back burner, if you know what i mean. Water changes are a chore normally, but try to keep up with them and everything will flourish. I didn't mention it earlier, but welcome to the boards. There is a ton of info on almost every situation possible on here. Good luck.

i agree