offminded

I was checking on my sump the other day and noticed something very interesting on one of the bits of rubble in my sump. I saw what looked like a feather duster or some other tree looking thing. To be quite honest, it looks like a white or translucent palm tree. Anyway, I shined a light on it to get a closer look at it and it retracted itself. It was pretty neat...unless it is something harmful. If not, I would like to move it up to the main tank. I will try and get a photo of it to help me identify it. Has anyone had similar experiences in their sump?

Oil_Fan

Not in my sump but I do have a feather duster in my main tank. They really quite cool looking.

offminded

if it is a feather duster i am stoked!

Martinismommy

Dave,

Are you sure it's not what I had? The unwanted house guest....Look at my posts on the salt water forum...

offminded

where am i to look?

Martinismommy

offminded

hmmm...it looks similar...what is it? is it bad news?

Martinismommy

Yes, it is VERY bad...It's called Aiptasia...It will take over your tank in 2 weeks....This is why I bought the peppermint shrimp (which have helped the problem)

Can you snap a picture of it Dave?

offminded

i was afraid of it being aiptasia...i will snap a shot of it as soon as i can. what do they look like when they start out? are they little white masses when they begin to grow? do they have the ability to retract inside of their base?

Martinismommy

Mine retracted when anything came near them....Yes, they started out tiny and cute...It wasn't until they got bigger until I realized I had a problem...I'm not sure if this is what you have growing in your tank, but it sure sounds like it...

offminded

uh oh...now i'm nervous...they are all in my sump and not in my tank...if it is aiptasia...what do i need to do...what damage can they do?

Peterpiper

Lets make sure of what they are first before we hit the panic button.
Sounds like they could be feather dusters
Check and see if you can ID them from this link

http://www.xtalworld.com/Aquarium/hitchfaq.htm

Oil_Fan

I agree with Peterpiper. There is big difference between the two and it should be pretty obvious which is which. My feather duster is growing very slowly. I've had him for months since I got that piece of live rock.

Martinismommy

Excellent website..I agree with you..Don't panic Dave..Just find out what it is..

agsansoo

They are actually beneficial in your sump or fuge. I have a bunch in my overflow box. They act as a pre-filter for uneaten food.

Peterpiper

Aiptasia or dusters?

agsansoo

Aiptasia. They acts as a direct export of excess nutrients.

needabiggertank

How many of these aptasia or feather duster looking things do you have? I noticed one then two then like 10 and just like they appeared they disapeared. I still have one or two but they do look like feather dusters.