Sand bed

Hi all I just have some quick qustions on my sand bed and the fauna. The first is, is it ok for it to have tiny bubbles under it? I counted around 15 total, they're about half the size of a pea. My second question is, are copepods and isopods to small to really notice? I see a bunch of tunnels in the bed but no pods inside it. And lastly, do mini white brittle stars reproduce by splitting or sexually? I've noticed a small explosion of them and a decrease in bristle worms. Thanks for the help.
 

drtito

Member
Originally Posted by Samurai_Sushi
http:///forum/post/2708176
Hi all I just have some quick qustions on my sand bed and the fauna. The first is, is it ok for it to have tiny bubbles under it? I counted around 15 total, they're about half the size of a pea. My second question is, are copepods and isopods to small to really notice? I see a bunch of tunnels in the bed but no pods inside it. And lastly, do mini white brittle stars reproduce by splitting or sexually? I've noticed a small explosion of them and a decrease in bristle worms. Thanks for the help.
The tiny bubbles in the sand are good. Its the gas x change in the sand.
yes they are tiny tiny ....you will need a microscope i think you will be able to see them with that.
I do not know about the stars.
 

aztec reef

Active Member
Tito is right about the first question, but here is the answer to the other two..
are copepods and isopods to small to really notice? Some, but you can see most, strolling on sandbed,lr,corals,ect..They are most active at night and when lights are off.( due to predators).
do mini white brittle stars reproduce by splitting or sexually?
Sexual , Baby Bristles will mature rapidly and reproduce to levels that are consistent with the available resources (food and space) in your reef tank. As for reproduction, it involves the external fertilization of eggs by spermatozoa. The fertilized eggs develop into planktonic larvae. The larvae typically go through two stages, called bipinnaria and brachiolaria. They are bilaterally symmetrical and have bands of cilia used in swimming and feeding. As the larvae gradually metamorphose into adults, a complex reorganization and degeneration of internal organs occurs. The left side of the larva becomes the oral surface of the adult, which faces down, and the right side becomes the aboral surface, which faces up. Then larvae settle to the sea floor and adopt their distinctive adult radial symmetry......
 
Thanks all, it's always good to hear positive news about your tank. I was wondering about the stars because I have a feather duster and the larvae could help feed him.
 
Top