Cloudy puffs from TBS live rock?

[LarryS]

Hey all:

Got my TBS live rock last Friday and having fun seeing the life inside it. I'm fairly new to reef hobby. I've been seeing occasional small puffs of cloudy substance emanating from inside the rock. It clears up in 2 seconds. I imagine it is from something inside. Anyone else seen that and can comment on what it is?

 

[docklink]

Is it actually eminating from the rock or is it coming from a clam, some of which apparently look very much like part of the rock?

What size package did you get, Larry? I'm up in Oroville and looking to order in a couple more weeks which means shippment into SAC.

 

[Fountainhead]

Larry, I've seen this question before, and I know exactly what you're talking about. It is almost like a little explosion on the rock with no obvious source. I wonder if there is a critter burrowing inside the rock jettisoning some debris, though I can't say that the stuff actually emanates from a hole. Unfortunately, I've seen no definitive answer. I'm going to tag along on your thread and see if anyone has a good explanation.

 

[snooter1]

Been told it is from the clams, a natural process. They are filter feeders and when they need to go they release into your tank. Have seen the same thing for a while. Believe, and have been told, by a few it is normal.

 

[LarryS]

You know, you guys may be right... it may indeed be coming from the clams. I have about 3 or 4 of them... totally encrusted in algae, sponge, coral, etc. and at first I did think it was part of the rock.... till it moved slightly. However, I "thought" some it came directly from the rock (I assume it was some critter inside). Anyway, its all fun to watch.

Doclink: I have a 45 gal tank, but purchased the 15 gal "package", which includes 30 lbs rock, 15 lbs sand and critters. I had them send it all in 1 shipment, which saved me shipping charges. I will supplement with base rock or other type of live rock (perhaps Marshall Is.). By the way, I come by Oroville every so often. My brother Ron owns the GNC Nutrition franchise in Paradise. Also, beware, don't drive down to pick up your shipment until after you confirm it has arrived. My shipment missed its connecting flight in Las Vegas, so instead of arriving Thurs 6:30 pm, it arrived at 10:30 pm, too late to pick up. I actually got it Fri morn at 9:30... water was cold, but no apparent harm to the critters, which all seem to have survived fine.

Thanks for everyone's comments.

 

[Dexter1334]

Some shellfish, and sponges bore directly into the rock. Mantis shrimp also will tunnel into the rock. And some worms tunnel into the rock. They can all release plumes of detritus into the water.
The clams and mussels which may be so encrusted with coralline, barnacles and other stuff that they are almost invisible are the most likely source and give off the most detritus. I have 250 lbs of rock and sometimes it looks like a snowstorm when the clams and mussels are all venting at once.