Bottom of canister filter - roots? worms?

[bsfmaximus]

Every time I clean my canister filter, at the bottom there are sandy colored "strings" resembling roots about as big around as mechanical pencil lead. They don't move that I can see and typically don't just fall out when I dump out the detritus, I have to scrub or spray them out. I'm guessing they are common and not a big deal but I realized I've been taking that for granted and should probably check! Any help is appreciated.

 

[Chefbill]

Tube worms or vermetid snails would be my guess

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Pics are Always best. But it could be worms sponges

 

[bsfmaximus]

Thanks, guys. Here is a shot inside to top of my skimmer, same thing that I mentioned in my canister filter. Plus, no matter how much I rinse and shake the water around, these things for the most part do not come loose.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

yea more than likely sponges. There are several other types of filter feeders too (like gajillion), bryozoans and foraminiferans. and all come in different shapes and colors.
\Our good friend and contributor has some of them on her website here.

http://www.lionfishlair.com/hitchhiker.shtml

 

[bsfmaximus]

Thanks!