What is this? (pics)

laterix

New Member
Hello, I'm new to saltwater fish and this forum, which is great by the way. I've had my 29g Oceanic BioCube for about 8 months. I recently checked the plate under the Bio-Balls and found these white maggot looking things. Does anyone know what they are? Bad?


Here's my setup if it's needed:
10lbs Live Rock
1 Yellow Tang
1 Tomato Clown
1 Ocellaris Clownfish
5 Snails
1 Emerald Crab
3 Hermits
One more ? I've had my Tomato Clown since the beginning and just added the Ocellaris Clown. The Tomato is 2.5" and the other one is maybe 1". The Tomato chases him around and makes a weird popping sound with his mouth, now my new clown fish just stays in the corner at the surface. Do I need to remove the Tomato or is this normal? Thanks
 

spanko

Active Member
Mixing clowns is not a good idea. They will fight. Especially in that size of a tank. What is on the grate looks like q-tip sponges, can't really see the smaller ones.
 

ajer

Member
Unrelated, But a Yellow tang, if you mean Zebrasoma flavescens Does not belong in a 29 gallon, Most people put the yellow tang's MINIMUM tank size at 75 gallons. Going out on a limb here but if a LFS told you you can keep a yellow tang in a 29 gallon, either they were just trying to make a quick sale or they were just completely unversed in marine tank keeping. TAKE IT BACK! You're shorting it's life span and seriously shrinking the chance for lasting success in your tank.
Here's a link to SWF's page for the yellow tang:https://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...ot_parent_id=4
 

laterix

New Member
ajer - even small ones? i read they can grow to 8", but can't the tank size and fish size be relative? that's sucks, cuz he seemed like a knowledgeable, stand-up guy. i guess the 2 clown fish was also a bad idea.
 

bang guy

Moderator
Originally Posted by laterix
http:///forum/post/2854916
I recently checked the plate under the Bio-Balls and found these white maggot looking things. Does anyone know what they are? Bad?
Sycon Sponges. They are a harmless filter feeder. In quantity they can actually help filter your water and remove Silicates.
 

peef

Active Member
The tang is a bad idea. The guy either didn't know what he was talking about at all or just didn't care. Not only could it (and most likly will eventually) kill the tang it could hurt your tank and tankmates alot also. Not your fault you are learning. One thing you should learn from this though is that 98% of LFS's are in it to sell you EVERYTHING they can. They don't give two craps about you or your tank as long as they make a sale. Its too bad but true. Now not all of them are like this but I would say a majority.
Welcome to the boards!
 

ajer

Member
Yes, even a small one. Tangs are athletic herbivorous fish, needing a large tank to supply them with space to swim. If you are planning to upgrade to something larger than 75 gallons in the next 6 months, then fine, but otherwise he will be happier in a larger tank.
Ajer
 

laterix

New Member
thanks everyone.....i guess i'll talk to the guy and maybe try to return them. i think i'm going to get rid of all the fish and start over.
 

ajer

Member
You don't have to get rid of all the fish, just the yellow tang and 1 of the clowns! You can keep the other clown. Sorry man. I know what it's like to have to give back a fish you have bonded with
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