ID please...

[Kaos]

I've got a bunch of these popping up in my 10 (just put some Marshall Is. LR in there about a month ago). I don't know what they are (maybe pods?) but they tear through unwanted algae like crazy. My tank started the cycle thing ( you know the algae outbreak) and w/in a couple days they had completely cleaned it.

So, does anyone have any idea as to what, exactly, these guys are?

 

[greenbean36191]

They're spaeromatid isopods.

 

[Paintbug]

yep, and usually harmless algae eaters.

 

[Juan-Carlos]

Hmm.. interesting, are these commercially available anywhere?

Regards,
Juan-Carlos

 

[Kaos]

Thanks for the help. I figured they were some kind of pods but wasn't for sure.

Now that they've cleaned out all algae entirely, should I put a small strip of Seaweed Selects or something in there to help keep the populations up? With these guys being such great algae eaters I would hate for them to die off due to them doing their job too well (and then my tank have an algae problem). Thanks.

 

[Paintbug]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9247177#post9247177 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Juan-Carlos
Hmm.. interesting, are these commercially available anywhere?

Regards,
Juan-Carlos

not that im aware of.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9250755#post9250755 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kaos
Thanks for the help. I figured they were some kind of pods but wasn't for sure.

Now that they've cleaned out all algae entirely, should I put a small strip of Seaweed Selects or something in there to help keep the populations up? With these guys being such great algae eaters I would hate for them to die off due to them doing their job too well (and then my tank have an algae problem). Thanks.

i wouldnt go that far. most snails will do a better job on the algae then the isopods. i doubt you would notice much of a difference in algae growth if they were to all disappear. they will find plenty to live on off the LR. but im not an expert on their diets .