What are they? [Archive] - .::AquariumPros.ca::.

yellowtang

March 7th, 2005, 02:56 PM

I have been cycling a 20g tank for almost 3 weeks and have just noticed these little white bug/ant looking things in the tank. They are only as big as a pen point. I am cycling the tank with a dead damsel and the bug things are eating it. Are these good or bad? I've never seen them in any of my other aquariums.

Aquadude

March 7th, 2005, 03:04 PM

Copepods. Commonly named "pods". They are a good sign. For something cool, look at your tank with a flashlight after the lights have been off for a few hours. Their eyes glow.

yellowtang

March 7th, 2005, 03:07 PM

I should add that there are at least a thousand of them.

Patwa

March 7th, 2005, 04:08 PM

don't worry...it's a sure sign your tank is maturing

ajx22

March 7th, 2005, 04:45 PM

Yeppers! Sounds like 'pods' for sure. These are a great sign that your tank is doing well. Many reefers (myself included) purchase these and add them to our tanks. They are the primary food source for many fish - and are one of the reasons we set-up Refugiums.

Check out this link for much more info:
http://www.rshimek.com/Invertebrate%20Key%20to%20Major%20Taxa.htm

You can find this link and many more by clicking on the - AP Web Links (http://www.aquariumpros.ca/modules.php?name=Links) link on the left side navigation block. This link would have been found under the sub-category - "Reference Links".

Cheers and Congrat's!!!