Chaeto plant critters

[Tang23]

I put Chaeto in my sump a month or so ago and now see little "critters". Is this something I should be concerned about? If it depends on what they are, I'll investigate further. Thought it was maybe live brine shrimp I fed, but they're not.

Thanks
Ed

 

[Andy Sager]

Plants are known carriers for many things like copepods and worms. Most are harmless and good food for certain fish. Unless they are on the fish, I wouldn't be concerned. Most of those critters are actually eating the detritus so are beneficial.

 

[Tang23]

Here's a video. They only seem to reside in the first chamber of the sump. Can I a fish or invert in there to take care of them?

 

[Tang23]

sry, its a pic

 

[Andy Sager]

It looks like a scud. I wouldn't get rid of them. They are eating whatever leftover foods your fish aren't getting as well as any other detritus.

 

[Tang23]

Thank you, here are better pics... can you tell the other?

 

[Andy Sager]

Thank you, here are better pics... can you tell the other?

Still looks like a scud. I wouldn't worry about him. The other one is too blurry to identify.

 

[Tang23]

More in my sump. Any concern?
Thanks
Ed

 

[Andy Sager]

The brittle star is a good scavenger so definitely not something to be concerned about. Since there are 2 of the white things and still not the clearest picture, ( try taking one from above to see the other side of the things) they could be nudibranch eggs, sponges or plants. Plants and Sponges would not be a problem, Nudibranch eggs could be an issue if they hatch but die off in mass or are non desirable species. If the things do not change shape, they are probably eggs. If they are growing or changing shape continually, they are not eggs so no worries. The only concern with them being nudibranch eggs is of what kind of nudibranch they are. Some will eat algae so since you have the sump to grow algae, that could be a problem.

 

[Tang23]

Thanks again. Was considering removing the Chaeto plant to be sure. Good idea or not?

 

[Tang23]

Better pics, I hope

 

[Andy Sager]

The 2 things showing at the arrows appear to be siphons. That would mean they are most likely a sponge, sea squirt or tunicate, all of which are non harmful.