small white worms

[PerezAF01]

While staring at my tank today, I discovered a small cluster of tiny white worms with bristles on the sides. They are about half the thickness of a string of chaeto and move fairly quickly by contracting their bodies. I haven't seen them until now and would have noticed because I've been staring at copepods for weeks. They extend to no more than a quarter of an inch and seem to be feasting on some food or dying chaeto. Anyone have a clue what I am talking about? They are too small for a picture. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Al

 

[Fizz71]

Any of these look like it?

http://www.chucksaddiction.com/hitchworms.html

 

[Ricunger]

Are they coming from the rocks or just roaming around?

 

[PerezAF01]

Havent seen them on the rocks just on a small area on the glass.

Thanks for the webpage. Very informative! I couldn't find anything close to this yesterday. Based on the pictures, they appear to be Dorvilleidae which are harmless unless they are newly hatched Oenonids which will remain to be seen.

Quick question:
My 55 gal sump / Refugium finally completed its cycle. If I add a 90 on top with non live sand and base rock, will it still cycle again?

Thanks

 

[Ricunger]

Has the base rock been soaking?

 

[PerezAF01]

Havent even got it yet. There should be no life in the rock I am planning on getting.

 

[Ricunger]

It may still leach things into the water. A cycle i am not sure, but phos & metals can leach. I would go with live rock... the bacteria alone is worth the extra cash.
Are you using base rock with live on top? or all base rock & waiting for it to get seeded?

 

[PerezAF01]

I was planning on placing some of the rock and sand I have in the refug in the display tank to seed it that way.

 

[x2uranium]

good idea, just go with marco rocks if you want cheap base rock and seed it.

 

[Ricunger]

Macro rocks are awesome!

 

[PerezAF01]

I think Marco rocks are pre cycled which would definitely make the tank cycle. Ill ask about base rock.