What is this?!?!?

[Mmar2385]

Started this tank up in June 125 gallons. Did about a 90% water change, reconstructed rock which was shipped in dry. And bought all new sand to help my nitrates and PH. I use all rodi water with reef crystals at 78° I see this feathery like substance growing on my rock. Does anyone know what this is???? It shows up in the crevices of the rock.

 

[JGT]

Appear to be hydroids.

 

[Mmar2385]

Appear to be hydroids.

If these are hydroids then I might just quit the hobby altogether, I looked them up and I'm devastated.

 

[Isopod80]

A closer picture would be better if possible. While hydroids are certainly a possibility, you could also have a variety of benthic formaniferan which is completely harmless.

 

[Mmar2385]

A closer picture would be better if possible. While hydroids are certainly a possibility, you could also have a variety of benthic formaniferan which is completely harmless.

This is the best I can do, it's hard to get it at another angle.

 

[Isopod80]

I'm actually leaning more towards formaniferans. There are many varieties. Some can easily be confused with hydroids but their feeding structures are different. Formaniferans often produce tufts of hairlike fibers that they use for nutrient absorption. I believe I'm seeing these fibers in your photos. Here's an example of one species of Formaniferan showing the feeding structures.

 

[wonroc]

doesnt look bad.

 

[Mmar2385]

A closer picture would be better if possible. While hydroids are certainly a possibility, you could also have a variety of benthic formaniferan which is completely harmless.

A closer picture would be better if possible. While hydroids are certainly a possibility, you could also have a variety of benthic formaniferan which is completely harmless.

I posted a video, in the beginning I also pointed out this feather duster looking thing that's growing out of my rock!

 

[GaryE]

Hydroids show up in almost all new tanks and usually disappear fairly quickly. No need to quit over them.

 

[Isopod80]

I posted a video, in the beginning I also pointed out this feather duster looking thing that's growing out of my rock!

Ok, the feather duster is a harmless tube worm. However, after seeing them more clearly in the video, the others do appear to be hydroids. Covering them with gel superglue is one of the most effective ways to get rid of them.

 

[Isopod80]

Hydroids show up in almost all new tanks and usually disappear fairly quickly. No need to quit over them.

I agree, many varieties will disappear on their own over time.

 

[Mmar2385]

Ok, the feather duster is a harmless tube worm. However, after seeing them more clearly in the video, the others do appear to be hydroids. Covering them with gel superglue is one of the most effective ways to get rid of them.

Well that's bad news >_< I heard they're a pain to get rid of and not even glue will kill em.

 

[Mmar2385]

I agree, many varieties will disappear on their own over time.

Well hopefully they don't sting my corals, fish and invertebrates. I see flame back angels kill them...but not sure if I want to add an angel to a reef tank in the first place.

 

[Isopod80]

Well that's bad news >_< I heard they're a pain to get rid of and not even glue will kill em.

Covering them with gel super glue will definitely kill them. It would kill anything. Alot of people make a much bigger deal over them then necessary.

 

[rizkisofani]

even if its hydroid its not as bad as they said. i got digitate hydroid, normal hydroid, hydroid colony in rock. and all of them disappeared by its own.

 

[Isopod80]

Fortunately, the white fleshy varieties tend to disappear rather quickly. It's the hard tubed varieties that can be stubborn.

 

[Mmar2385]

Covering them with gel super glue will definitely kill them. It would kill anything. Alot of people make a much bigger deal over them then necessary.

You have been extremely helpful. Thank you and I hope to keep in touch.

 

[Mmar2385]

even if its hydroid its not as bad as they said. i got digitate hydroid, normal hydroid, hydroid colony in rock. and all of them disappeared by its own.

Thank you, you're giving me hope!