PDA

View Full Version : What IS this?

Doormatt
12-09-2005, 01:04 AM
I got all my LR from a very well established tank about a week ago. Now that I look at it more closely, I'm seeing all these small red mini-coral like things on them. The guy didn't keep any corals, it was a FOWLR tank.

Any idea what I'm looking at?

http://www.thepersonunderthestairs.com/IMG_0617.jpg
Beverly
12-09-2005, 01:29 AM
Have some in my tanks. They look like some kind of sponge, but I'm not sure if that's what they are. They've been around for months and months, and have caused no harm.
SeaHorse_Fanatic
12-09-2005, 01:42 AM
I think they're called tunicates.
shotzee
12-09-2005, 01:47 AM
No, their calcified. I have tons in my tank too, but I know that their not tunicates.
Johnny Reefer
12-09-2005, 02:00 AM
Looks to me like Forams.

Cheers,
albert_dao
12-09-2005, 02:56 AM
forams
TNTCanada
12-09-2005, 04:42 AM
Here are some links to read up on them.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-07/rs/index.php
http://www.xtalworld.com/Aquarium/hitchfaq.htm


Cheers
Tyler
Invigor
12-09-2005, 09:35 PM
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=15991
NanoReef
12-10-2005, 10:50 PM
can those also be called "bryozoans"???? that is what i have been calling them???
Tarolisol
12-10-2005, 11:43 PM
I call them little neat red things, i think everyone has them.
christyf5
12-11-2005, 01:31 AM
no, bryozoans are something completely different. These are foraminiferans:

Foraminiferans (http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/picture_pages/faq_foramred.html) These little creatures are basically shelled protozoans, one celled organisms (Subphylum: Sarcodina - the amoebas). They form shells primarily composed of calcareous material, with siliceous material from sponges, or other organic material. They are mostly sessile (non-moving), but can move with the use of temporary structure called a "pseudopodia". This little "arm" reaches out and pulls the rest of the critter along. In any event, they are harmless bacterial/detrital consumers. There are many different shell shapes and colors that these guys may have, see more foraminiferans (http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/picture_pages/faq_foramwhite.html)

from: http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/main_pages/faq_rock3.htm

I have both kinds in my tank. They're pretty cool :cool: