ID Please for critters growing in live sand

[underwatergarde]

I have 2 small areas where there are clear critters growing in the live sand. The 2 photo's are the same area. The 1st one shows the original photo. I circled where they are growing. The 2nd photo is a close up shot. Again I circled the growth. On the right side I drew what it looks like. I know they're hard to see. I can only see them when I use a photographers loupe.








If they can be identified, are they dangerous and should I remove them. Thanks for your help everyone!

[underwatergarde]

These are growing on the live rock. Both photo's are the same live rock; one is a close up. The growths look perfectly round sort of like smooth golf balls.

[panmanmatt]

First picture is hydroids. Depending on what is in the tank with them will determine how dangerous they are.

The second set appear to be tiny spirabellid (sp?) worms but very hard to tell.

[underwatergarde]

Originally Posted by panmanmatt

First picture is hydroids. Depending on what is in the tank with them will determine how dangerous they are.

The second set appear to be tiny spirabellid (sp?) worms but very hard to tell.

They're in the pony tank. I'm removing them now! Geez I hope they're not all over this tank!

[panmanmatt]

Originally Posted by underwatergarde

They're in the pony tank. I'm removing them now! Geez I hope they're not all over this tank!

That's exactly what I was afraid of. Hydroids can be deadly to dwarves, especially fry. Siphon out as many as you can. Unfortunately this is a huge risk when using live rock and corals in a dwarf set up. They can/will bring hydroids in with them.

An even bigger unfortunate thing is that the treatment for hydroids is also deadly to gorgs, corals and most snails and other algae eating inverts. The effects last a long time(read as years in some cases).

Your best option is to siphon them out as you see them. Using a length on rigid tubing attached to some airline is great for this and doesn't remove a lot of water in the process.

Are you using decapsulated brine shrimp eggs? If not it may be worth looking into. Brine cysts are a very common vehicle for bringing in hydroids and once they hatch the aetemia bring the hydroids with them. Decapping the cysts involves removing the outer shell which in turns removes the hydroids before they get introduced to the hatchery and thusly the tank. You can either decap your own or purchase them from a place such as Seahorse Source, the ultimate place for captive bred seahorses.. They are listed under the foods/live foods section.

[underwatergarde]

Yes I'm using decapped bbs. I'm so depressed now!

[panmanmatt]

Don't be depressed, this is just a minor set back. Manual removal is going to be your best friend right now. It will also help with water quality by doing a few small water changes weekly.

Look at the bright side, you saw it early before they reached plague proportions. They are much easier to deal with in small numbers. we will get you through this, just gonna take some time. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby especially in such a small tank.

Breathe deep and relax a bit. All will work out fine.

[underwatergarde]

Originally Posted by panmanmatt

Don't be depressed, this is just a minor set back. Manual removal is going to be your best friend right now. It will also help with water quality by doing a few small water changes weekly.

Look at the bright side, you saw it early before they reached plague proportions. They are much easier to deal with in small numbers. we will get you through this, just gonna take some time. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby especially in such a small tank.

Breathe deep and relax a bit. All will work out fine.

Thank you for all your help! (((HUGS)))

[cheeks69]

How bout using Keyhole Limpets to eradicate the Hydroids ? These are common HH'rs in LR and eliminated the one's I had.

[panmanmatt]

keyholes will work if you can find them. But they will also munch on soft corals. I have tons of HH limpets but they aren't the keyhole variety.

[underwatergarde]

Originally Posted by panmanmatt

keyholes will work if you can find them. But they will also munch on soft corals. I have tons of HH limpets but they aren't the keyhole variety.

I was just reading up on them. Do you think I should try a few? What are your thoughts on abalone? I think I see some hair algae growing in some small spots too. I only use RoDI water & I have a mangrove in the ref.; ironically my phos & Nitrates are almost negligible so the algae must be eating it, the RODI water & mangrove help keep it low too. Of coarse feeding the tank thrice a day & keeping the lights on 13-14 hrs isn't helping the algae problem; the ponies love it though. I don't have any soft corals in the pony tank. There are a few HH feather dusters, the gorgonians & codium, a small shaving brush & small halimedia plant.

[panmanmatt]

If you can find keyhole limpets it is worth a try. If you do happen to find some, let me know where you get them.

[underwatergarde]

Originally Posted by panmanmatt

If you can find keyhole limpets it is worth a try. If you do happen to find some, let me know where you get them.

I actually do know where to get them. The person I got the dwarfs from sells them. Am I allowed to post his website on here? I think they may still be in Russia on their vacation but I'm going to shoot them an email.

[panmanmatt]

I don't see any reason why you couldn't post his site.

[underwatergarde]

Originally Posted by panmanmatt

I don't see any reason why you couldn't post his site.

Just making sure it's ok to post here. Te website is ccritters.com. I purchased many things from Dana & I've always received healthy animals & perfect service. I've gotten things from the website & from ebay (member: danac305), where some of the things are a bit cheaper/different packages, etc. Just let Dana know that Elena (Rickandel from ebay) sent you (Ive gotten a lot from him).