Worm and bugs

[dave_barnwell]

I have a new tank, my first, and after 4 weeks of fresh sand and three weeks of live rock, I've noticed some life that wasn't there initially. First things that appeared were some sponges - 5 small pineapple sponges and a bigger one that is on a picture in here. Then some bugs appeared. They kind of look like fleas but obviuosly can't be. Then tonight there appeared a white worm on the glass. Didn't have a chance to photograph it as it wiggled quickly into the sand. It seemed to be about 2 to 4cm inches long and about 1mm thick with lots of legs like a millipede.

All the water levels are good and was hoping to get a clean up crew in the next couple of weeks although, if the worm(s) are bad I need to get rid of it/them first.

New here and a bit overwhelmed by everything at the moment but hopefully doing everything ok. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[Soehl]

You have some GOOD things!! First off the pineapple sponges will help with your nitrates... If you get too many of them you can be sure that your nitrates/phosphate is getting high. Secondly the "bugs" are pods. Copepods to be sure. Very good food for your fish and inverts. They will also help clean up the detrius in the tank. As for the worm, I don't have a clue. White you said? I was thinking bristle worm at first but they are pink and didn't think they bury themselves in the sand. Someone else will chime in I am sure.

 

[swannyson7]

All signs of a healthy tank and nothing to worry about. The "bugs" are probably copepods & amphipods and the worm is probably a bristle worm. These small organism are part of the miniature clean up crew that will consume waste within your aquarium.

 

[3Twinklets]

Wow you already have the good stuff. Thats great!!

 

[Wesley42079]

Be careful with the bristleworms. They sting.

 

[Pkunk35]

Bugs and worms are some of my favorite things in the tank!

You are good here...in fact you are doing awesome if you have pods and invertebrate thriving. Nice work!

Don't worry about the worms unless they are very fuzzy (I'm 99% sure you have the "good" worm):

[video=youtube;C_KbY2-hV_4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_KbY2-hV_4[/video]

 

[dave_barnwell]

Thanks guys. That's put my mind at ease. To be honest it's been more luck than judgement but at least everything's going well. From what I can tell, next step is shrimp and snails

 

[Soehl]

Yep. Actually crabs and snails. Shrimp, I would add with fish. I have found that snails are the best. Crabs are cool and fun to look at AND they do help with algae but the snails are the best. Especially when you start to add fish. The snails(and crabs) help break down the waste so your skimmer can remove it. When you start to get some algae throw in some snails and watch for a few days. See if they keep up. If not add a few more. Spread the stails out, they don't move much if they find a spot full of algae. They will eat then sleep for the rest of the day until they exaust the food source they are currently eating. Don't go overboard or they will starve and the crabs WILL eat the snails. It doesn't matter if the crabs are "reef safe" they will eat the snails if they are hungry or just want the shell or if the snail looked at them wrong. lol Balance is key. Balance, balance, balance. Algae to snail to fish to algae etc... You got a good start just remember to take it slow when adding animals.

 

[GratefulReef]

+1 for no crabs. They eat snails, to steal shells even if there are extra shells available.

 

[steamer51]

I have had bright white bristle worms in the past but most are pink with a purple or lavender line running through their digestive tract. All are good IMHO.

 

[dave_barnwell]

Thanks for the advice guys. Everything seems ok so I went for it and bought a couple of snails. Have noticed a few new critters though - a browney red bristle worm and various things. The white sponge seems to have joined forces with an orangey one (swear it never used to be connected)