View Full Version : Hard White Spots
lebloom
08-03-2003, 7:35 AM
In my 75gal FOWLR I am starting to notice more and more of these hard crusty white dots growing on the side of my tank. What type of algea is this? I have coraline growing but it doesnt start out white. Iv'e had this tank up and going for over 2 years and never have had these till just now. Is my bubble algea causing this?
170# LS
90# LR
2 Clown fish
1 Yellowtail damsels
1 Yellow Tang(NEW)
16 hermits
2 Turbo Snails
kreblak
08-03-2003, 9:21 PM
It isn't algae, it is a worm. Most likely it came in on your live rock. Oriongirl calls them Stoney worms. They are filter feeders that grow a hard calcerous shell, and they reproduce rapidly. Buy a scraper if you don't like them on your glass. I have a stainless steel scraper that eliminates any trace of the little worms. Other than looks, they are harmless.
lebloom
08-04-2003, 1:14 PM
I don't that these spots are a worm. A worm leaves something that resembles a worm , then spots are in a worm shape fashion. I have seen them in my tank. These are a white crusty spot that leave no worm design but, you may correct.
VoodooChild
08-04-2003, 2:22 PM
In a freshwater tank I had, there were tons of tiny white spots like you describe all over that I found out were planarian worms. I'm sure that there is a saltwater equivalent. The term "worm" maybe used a bit loosely here too. Most things that are small and wriggle are often defined as worms. Either way, if your fish seem fine, then I wouldn't worry. Some maybe even eaten them. By "fish seem fine", make sure you keep an eye on their eating habits too. Emaciation is something to watch for.
OrionGirl
08-04-2003, 2:45 PM
The stony tube worms can form shells of any shape--some are long and twisty, while others are spirals, or dots. And yes, they are in fact a member of the worm family...just like feather dusters, christmas tree worms, bristle worms and a variety of others. Oligachaete and polychaete worms abound in the ocean. Most aquatic annelids are marine, in fact!
Of course, there are lots of things that will build themselves a little calcareous shell and thrive. The little stony tube worms are just a very common one.
VoodooChild
08-04-2003, 4:16 PM
As usual, I stand corrected:)
thedjspo2
12-28-2005, 12:17 PM
I have the same problem. How do you get rid of them?
Pineapple
12-28-2005, 7:54 PM
The less organics and bacteria in the water the less there will be.