what the heck

[israelnajar]

Hey guys,

I just wanted to say I am very excited today. I got my ballast and I hooked up my lights. Although this is very exciting for me, there is something more I found in my tank. I had picked up a few pounds of LR from Coral Island when I started cycling my tank three weeks agon. When I hit the lights in my tank I proceeded to examine every nook and crany of rock I had. I noticed some fuzzy things stuck on my rock. As I looked closer I realized that I was looking at about a dozen or so feather dusters. I hope they hang out. See you later guys.

[Skateboarder]

Cool!!:) Im sure the feather dusters will live.:)

[GreenUku]

You will be amazed at the number of things that will just pop up from your live rock. I've had snails and such appear months after I last added anything to my tank...

[asfullax]

israel,

Featherdusters are great additions and very common live rock. a couple words of caution though:

1. Fish such as butterfly fish, some wrasses, camelback shrimp, and many others will pick at and eat them, so if you really want them around, double check fish compatibility with worms.

2. Make sure they are not aiptasia's. Being that your tank is new, you could probibly fix that issue really fast. I just say to check because aiptasia's multiply during dark periods and since your tank has been lightless for a few days its better to check. Being that you got them from Coral Island, they should be ok. :D

Check these out (Colors and size can be much diffrent, but this should give you an idea.)

Aiptasia:
http://www.pirx.com/gallery/albums/cnidarians/aiptasia01.thumb.jpg

Fether Duster Worm:
http://www.cdislands.com/photos_usvi/vir3/xvi10524.jpg

[israelnajar]

I am pretty sure they are feather dusters since the feather crown retracts entirely into the tube when it is disturbed. Also I did notice a worm that comes out of holes and other tubes that are in the rock that extend about an inch or so from the hole and rub right along the dusters. Maybe I can get a photo of them to put in my gallery.

[asfullax]

Yeah, those sound like feather dusters. One of my personal favorites so long as they stay in their home, they creep me out when they are out of their tube... :D

[israelnajar]

Okay I have captured the featherdusters that I was so excited about.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/134434featherduster.JPG

Check out my rock scape. The big centerpiece is from moonpower, and most of the other is newly aquired LR from Rob which he helped me hand pick tonight after seeing me and unlocking the door. I cant wait to see what pops outa this rock.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/134434tank.JPG

[GreenUku]

Definitely a good start.

What lights are you using?

[israelnajar]

I am using VHO lighting. I am not sure of the bulbs but I know one bulb is white and the other is blue.