ID needed...

pikelk · #1 01/05/2008, 10:30 PM

I found this little sea serpent on the bio-balls in my aquapod. It retreated as soon as light hit it. I noticed three others just like. They were not much bigger than a penny with their legs stretched out.

Does anyone know what kind of sea serpent/brittle star/ etc. this is? Also, is it reef safe?

Thanks for your help!

walkerbrody · #2 01/06/2008, 12:13 AM

It is a miniture brittle star. That is its adult size. They reproduce quickly and are reef safe.

Myka · #3 01/06/2008, 12:54 AM

Side note if you don't mind...it's probably a good idea to slowly remove the bio-balls over a couple weeks. They are a nitrate factory.

m2434 · #4 01/06/2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Myka
Side note if you don't mind...it's probably a good idea to slowly remove the bio-balls over a couple weeks. They are a nitrate factory.

Does the OP have a nitrate or algae issue? Is there sufficient LR to support the bio-load without the bio-balls?

pikelk · #5 01/06/2008, 04:13 PM

No. the nitrates are zilch and there's no algae whatsoever. The tank only has a few soft corals, a pigmy angel, watchman goby and 2 feather dusters in it. I've heard good and bad about removing the bio-balls. If their not affecting the tank now, should I really change it?

m2434 · #6 01/06/2008, 04:46 PM

Some people run them without issue, others quite the opposite. Many would argue that if it "ain't broke don't fix it" and then again some people might insist you get rid of them before they do break.

I'm somewhat undecided myself. Trickle filtration will increase aeration and evaporative cooling. They also are more efficient at nitrification and may compensate for swings in ammonia more effectively than live rock alone and may be able to handle ammonia probuction of larger bio-loads.

On the other hand they may decrease the efficiency of denitrification by moving the nitrate source further from the nitrifying bacteria. Also, detritus accumulation may become a source of nitrates if not cleaned properly. Of course nitrate is also not very toxic, so unless there is an algae problem, this may be much less of an issue than many make it out to be.

I certainly don't think they are necessary, but there is a difference between benefits and necessities. There are benefits to bio-balls, but I can't say with any certainty if they are worthwhile. if you do see a nitrate issue or algae issue, then it certainly may be worth removing them...