Preparing to start my first marine aquarium

DeanKoupe · Mar 18, 2014

Hi all.

So here's my first topic.

Like I said in my meet & greet topic, I bought a second hand Red Sea Max on Saturday. I have since stripped it to every possible removable piece to clean thoroughly. I have finished cleaning all pumps etc, and am currently cleaning the aquarium and sump section.

(Not easy removing algae stains)

I have noticed hundreds of tiny white circular creatures stuck to almost everything in the sump area, anyone know what these are and if they're harmful?

I also found a worm like creature inside my skimmer pump, (measuring about 7cm) quite scary looking.

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Tahoe61 · Mar 18, 2014

If they're hard probably Spirorbid worms, if soft perhaps Pineapple sponges/ Sycon .

The worm probably a Bristleworm but without images it's all just guess work.

DeanKoupe · Mar 18, 2014

Are these white things harmful? I doubt I'll be able to remove them all.

Here's a picture of the worm:

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1395150433.249698.jpg

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Tahoe61 · Mar 18, 2014

Spirorbid worms are fine and yes bristleworm on the worm id.

DeanKoupe · Mar 18, 2014

Is the bristle worm harmful to the tank? If one had to occur in my new setup?

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frankm88 · Mar 18, 2014

bristleworms are not harmful just dont touch them as you will be stuck with 100s of their "bristles" stuck in your finger.

DeanKoupe · Mar 18, 2014

Okay thanks all for the info so far, much appreciated.

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DeanKoupe · Mar 18, 2014

One quick question guys..

If I can't clean the tank 100%, like there is still some parts with dry algae and those spirorbid worms is this okay for when I start my tank?

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Tahoe61 · Mar 18, 2014

The spirorbid worms you'll not be able to completely without a lot of scraping and elbow grease. The dried algae you should be able to scape off with a razor blade. If the clean is to your satisfaction than fine but just remember is a lot harder to clean a running tank.
You can also use a diluted mixture of water and vinegar for cleaning, just thoroughly rinse afterwards.

DeanKoupe · Mar 18, 2014

The problem is some areas I can't gain access to, the skimmer portion on the back wall for example, the dirt that's in there I have no option but to leave

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WhoKnew · Mar 18, 2014

Bristle worms will help your tank as a CUC.

DeanKoupe · Mar 19, 2014

Hey guys

I would just like to thank everyone for the feedback thus far.

As I'm going along in the preparation of my tank, I have another question..

How much carbon to use in my Red Sea Max 250? I have read the RSM spec sheet, and the tank comes standard with 400g carbon. Since I starting my tank new from the previous owner, on Monday I bought Seachem matrix carbon (100g) bottle.

Should I get more?

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