INFESTATION, what are these things?

[asile]

My tank is full of these things. I don't know what they are.

For the last week I've been thinking my tank is full of micro-bubbles, turns out it's mostly these little guys.

They range in size, from .2 mm to .8 mm. I took a picture of one on my glass. There are thousands on the glass, the other 100,000 are in the water.

I was able to take a picture, although not a very good one, they are far too small for the lens on my camera.

Are these bad, I have so many. I didn't really notice them at first because of their size, but now they are getting bigger and I can see them.

I have a new 75 Gallon tank, it's about 2 weeks old. 90 pounds live sand and about 100 pounds live rock.

 

[Snooker00]

The pic is a little blurry, but I would definitely say cope pod good tank food. You usually see a lot of those along with amphipods in new tanks. Good sign.
Steve

 

[BlackOnyx]

looks liek a cope

 

[asile]

Sorry the pics are blurry, they are very very small. I'm surprised the pics turned out at all.

They are hard to see with the naked eye. They have 2 antennas and shrimp like tails. Also they are whitish clear.

 

[DgenR8]

Yes, they are Copepods, and they are harmless. Not only harmless, but actually beneficial, and a good sign.

 

[asile]

Great!! Thanks!!

Do you know what eats them. Not to get rid of them but to keep the balance.

 

[DgenR8]

They will diminish in numbers on their own, depending on how much food is available for them. As far as who eats them, just about any fish will snack on them, but several fish like scooter blennies, manderins and most wrasses actively hunt for them.

 

[asile]

Ok, it would be nice to have a fish I didn't have to feed.

Most of the pods aren't making it through the overflow and the filter floss. I'm sure that will diminish the numbers. I just hope it doesn't diminish all of them.

 

[Lizard333]

These are a great sign, some people have to pay for these to feed there fish. Great job!