HELP

[whisperofdusk]

So my hubby and I have been setting up our saltwater reef aquarium over the past few months. Everything has been stable the last month. Over that time we have added two anemones, 3 corals, two starfish and a feather duster. My hubby went out of town for a week and everything was good. A few days back I noticed really tiny black things swimming on one of the live rocks. I searched and searched the next day and saw no signs of them. Then yesterday one of the starfish had lost two legs, as I was looking closer I noticed small bug like things. I spent all day researching and I think one is a copepod but not sure if the other is the same or what! I hope someone can help identify them so I know that there is no concern to our aquarium.

I would hate for hubby to come home and think I screwed up the tank! Thanks!!!

 

[happyhourhero]

Amphipods and the starfish is likely a goner. Those dont fare too well in our tanks usually.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Agreed. Sand sifting starfish are one of those things sold that never do well especially in smaller non established tanks.

The pods , those are amphipods, are a super good thing. A fish snack and cleanup crew.

 

[jsker]

Welcome to R2R. I have had several stars and the melt away. As stated above Start are a hard one to keep and just go all the sudden. Usually a star need a system that is over a year old to survive

 

[smokin'reefer]

Does it help the stars chances if you spot feed?. I got some included in a cuc package and have been trying to keep them fed.

 

[jsker]

Does it help the stars chances if you spot feed?. I got some included in a cuc package and have been trying to keep them fed.

The only eat algae and a certain type. Large old tank stars do well