New Tank and new Sand, What is this?

[Kevin K]

Set up a 180 G display tank with a 75G sump, added sand, rock, and has been cycling for 40ish days now. There is something growing on the sand bed that I cannot Identify.

 

[Retro Reefer]

That’s a new one one me.. let’s get some more eye’s on it

#reefsquad

 

[CasaReefer]

Is there anything in the tank yet... Did you use Live Rock.?

 

[my.PsychReef]

Can you get a clearer photo with white light?

 

[ScottB]

Come on folks, it's the aquarium version of Crop Circles!

 

[Quietman]

Well, now this is starting out the New Year on an interesting note! Time to get on the tin foil hat and stay away from any electronics that could be used to gather intelligence on our species.

 

[CasaReefer]

Did it just appear overnite? or did it take days to get that big? ... Did it happen during the day ? or only at night? Did they leave a note? I read a book once about this.. I think It was called .. " Trails In The Sand " By Peter Dragon...

 

[Quietman]

Did it just appear overnite? or did it take days to get that big? ... Did it happen during the day ? or only at night? Did they leave a note? I read a book once about this.. I think It was called .. " Trails In The Sand " By Peter Dragon...

I was thinking maybe "Dune".

 

[Quietman]

Sorry @Kevin K, we're not helping much. I'm sure someone on here will respond with some useful information soon.

In the meantime...keep your hands out of that tank, man! Might lose an arm in there.

 

[Wolf89]

Are the dark splotches solid or are they just conglomerated sand? Did you use live rock? Reminds me of a sea cucumber

 

[Ron Reefman]

Have you tried picking it up off the sand? From the photo it looks like it may be some kind of macro algae? It looks bigger than a vine like algae I've seen before. But I bet if you grab the line between the 'leaves' it will pull up and have some small roots that were starting to get into the sand.

I'd be getting it out of there as I may well take over the tank. Vine like macro algae tend to be fast growing and very invasive, especially if it gets attached to the rocks. Although this one seems to be avoiding the rocks!

 

[ScottB]

I am curious to know what created this. I want one for my tank.

 

[Lorenzo Angotti]

Are they little pile of sand in between the lines, do you have any CUC in, mystery! I know certain snails like the Nassarius live under the sand and when sensing food come up and make tracks as they glide.

 

[Peace River]

I don’t expect that it is something growing on the sand, rather something making surface tunnels and ejecting small pile of sand every inch or so. I’m not sure what is the specific invert or organism.

 

[El_Guapo13]

 

[Wolf89]

I don’t expect that it is something growing on the sand, rather something making surface tunnels and ejecting small pile of sand every inch or so. I’m not sure what is the specific invert or organism.

Agreed. This is what's making me think sea cucumber.

 

[Katrina71]

By looking, I'd say live rock.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

Looks like some type of worm working it’s way through the sand. Bobbit
worm of death? Or man eating fire worm? New type of Acro eating bug?

 

[Kevin K]

Is there anything in the tank yet... Did you use Live Rock.?

Added two pieces of live rock (Middle two) and six dry rock. Picture below.

 

[Wolf89]

Sea cucumbers eat sand and expel new sand. This is what those piles are -- I think.