Lil' bitty ant / flea animals when lights are out?

[phoenix20]

Taking a flash light and looking around the tank this morning, I noticed a bunch of little critters that were no bigger than an ant moving around the LR and sand bed. They move pretty fast when the light shines on them, so there probably isn't a way I could take a picture. Some were even smaller than an ant and looked like the size of fleas.

Any idea what these things could be? Or does anyone have any idea what I'm talking about?

 

[twistoflime]

Could they be copods?

 

[zman676]

There are all kinds of small crustaceans that live within live rock. What you are describing sounds like an amphipod, which is a small marine arthropod and will cause no harm to your tank. In fact, they may provide you with a free food source!

Here is a pic:

>http://www.reef-eden.net/Amphipod1.jpg</a>

Is that what you're seeeing?

 

[phoenix20]

Sweet! Yeah that looks like the buggers. Thanks! :yay:

 

[linda lee]

Probably as others have said amphipods, copopods or both. Usually a good sign that your ecosystem is getting established

Lot of pictures and discussion on this thread.

 

[phoenix20]

Very cool. I'm thinking about picking up one of these CPR In-tank refugiums to use as a calupera / copepod breeding ground.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~CPR_CITR_In_Tank_Refugium_with_Rio_50_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Refugiums_Internal_~vendor~CPR~SearchStr~in-tank~action~view~idProduct~CR1711~idCategory~FIRFIR.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~CPR_CITR_In_Tank_Refugium_with_Rio_50_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Refugiums_Internal_~vendor~CPR~SearchStr~in-tank~action~view~idProduct~CR1711~idCategory~FIRFIR.html</a>

I want to get a mandarin goby. With a 'pod breeding ground like this, would it be possible to keep a mandarin in a 45G?

 

[linda lee]

phoenix20;224425 wrote: Very cool. I'm thinking about picking up one of these CPR In-tank refugiums to use as a calupera / copepod breeding ground.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~CPR_CITR_In_Tank_Refugium_with_Rio_50_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Refugiums_Internal_~vendor~CPR~SearchStr~in-tank~action~view~idProduct~CR1711~idCategory~FIRFIR.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~CPR_CITR_In_Tank_Refugium_with_Rio_50_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Refugiums_Internal_~vendor~CPR~SearchStr~in-tank~action~view~idProduct~CR1711~idCategory~FIRFIR.html</a>

I want to get a mandarin goby. With a 'pod breeding ground like this, would it be possible to keep a mandarin in a 45G?[/QUOTE]

With a good enough pod supply, you can even keep a mandarin in a nano. Some members have even gotten theirs to eat flakes and pellets. If you get one, just observe carefully. If it's not maintaining weight, pass him on to someone else. You could also let local sponsors know you're looking for a mandarin that has shown interest in prepared foods.

 

[phoenix20]

I just came across this awesome hitch hiker link with pictures of a lot of possible critters who could find a way into your tank.

 

[george]

phoenix20;224443 wrote: I just came across this awesome hitch hiker link with pictures of a lot of possible critters who could find a way into your tank.

http://www.xtalworld.com/Aquarium/hitchfaq.htm">http://www.xtalworld.com/Aquarium/hitchfaq.htm</a>[/QUOTE]
Very good site. Nice find.