Oh crap, what the heck is that???? Help!

K

kremit2007

New member
Ok so I just noticed in my tank, which is currently cycling since its crash in early January, that there are little water bug lookin things in the tank. They almost look like water spiders, ya know, the things that dart on the surface of the water on lakes and such? Well these guys are tiny, less than the size of a pencil eraser, and they are bright white. What are they? Anyone ever heard of these? They dart so fast it looks like a bubble but I found two sitting still. Theres probably 10 of them, what the heck?!?!
 
Without a picture, it's nearly impossible to ID them... you could look for an ID on www.melevsreef.com -- he's got an amazing gallery of hitchhikers there.

I'm guessing you're seeing some sort of isopod -- I have some about 1/8" long, shaped like a thin grain of rice, with legs that seem to stick out in all directions. They cling to & walk along the glass in my refugium. Whatever they are, I'm sure they're harmless and nothing to worry about :)
 
OK. You think they are harmless? I haven't seen ANY in the actual tank, just on the surface of the water. This can't be good..
 
Have you ever had any insect (which I got a closer look, they have two antennas) darting across the top of you water? What are you suggesting I haven't experienced? And the tank was not a total loss, but thanks.
 
Never heard about critter on the water surface. But in this hobby anything is possible.maybe there just very unhappy pods.Maybe tank tank didnt crash and is now cycleing and the pods are trying to leave.
 
OK. I dont know, I caught a few and am looking under a microscope to look at them. More details in a minute. In the meantime, any other suggestions?
 
OK, it is definately an insect. It has what appears as 6 or 8 legs. There are no wings that I noticed. He has a light brown, glossy skin with a mid-abdomen which is a dull but prominent green. His lower abdomen (butt) is dark black and looks like a short but rather large stinger. Thats the best I can describe it, it looks like it is a cone shape butt but is very pointy. Anything guys? I've looked at the websites about but found nothing..

Anybody heard of anything ever?
 
If it's live, it's not an insect, I'm pretty sure. I don't think there are any marine insects. Picture needed...
 
Thats true, but like 10 or 20 of them? I caught about 6 so far which appeared to be dead. Maybe they just got in there but thats a lot to accidently fall in dont you think? I would love to post a picture but its just a big blur because they are way too small to see. You cant make much out without a microscope, which is how i saw the colors, from the naked eye, it looks white.
 
Ok, I just looked at another one and its back end is actually like a cone split in two, so there is two points, almost like a tail. The back is very long and skinny...Hmm.. It is still dark black though..
 
OK, I also noticed that they are darting to and from the skimmer....Hmm.. They are only on the side of the tank with the skimmer, and that is the side with the least water turbulence...Should I direct a PH to the surface as see if it kicks them out?
 
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