White spots with hairy legs - Saltwater Aquariums

Reefy · **White spots with hairy legs -** 03-12-2010, 09:52 PM

I am a long time aquarium keeper but have less saltwater experience than freshwater. I set up a new tank a few weeks ago and have added some really good looking live rock-that is to say it seems to have a lot of nice growth of differing micro organisms. I have allowed the tank to run with only live rock for a couple of weeks. Water tests show the pH and alkalinity are good and have zero ammonia/nitrites. Yesterday we added two clown fish to aid in the cycling. Tonight I noticed there are several little white spots on the glass. Upon very close examination, they look like tiny white balls with 3-4, maybe 5 hair like legs-some almost in a star formation. I can't tell if they are moving. I have read on several sites myriad explanation of "white spot creatures" but none of them seem to be described liked these. Can anyone offer an expert opinion of what these things are and if they are good or bad? Thanks in advance for your help.

ReefHead92 · 03-13-2010, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefy

I am a long time aquarium keeper but have less saltwater experience than freshwater. I set up a new tank a few weeks ago and have added some really good looking live rock-that is to say it seems to have a lot of nice growth of differing micro organisms. I have allowed the tank to run with only live rock for a couple of weeks. Water tests show the pH and alkalinity are good and have zero ammonia/nitrites. Yesterday we added two clown fish to aid in the cycling. Tonight I noticed there are several little white spots on the glass. Upon very close examination, they look like tiny white balls with 3-4, maybe 5 hair like legs-some almost in a star formation. I can't tell if they are moving. I have read on several sites myriad explanation of "white spot creatures" but none of them seem to be described liked these. Can anyone offer an expert opinion of what these things are and if they are good or bad? Thanks in advance for your help.

hmm in a star shape ay? maybe little white starfish?i have a few of them if thats what they are then they are fine in your tank unless u get alot of them... a pic would greatly help us identify them.

Reefy · 03-13-2010, 06:48 AM

Thanks ReefHead. They are so small, I'm not sure a pic would do any good. They aren't any bigger than a pinhead. I might try to make a drawing of what I see.

Reefy · 03-13-2010, 09:12 AM

Well I have tried to upload a pic and copy/paste and this board won't allow it for whatever reason. It keeps saying the upload failed. Oh well, let me know if you need more description and I will do my best.

GSELLERS1245 · 03-13-2010, 10:38 AM

Dont worry about a pic. They are hydroids and are harmless