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Hey guys,

So today while staring at the tank, I noticed a large number of tiny white specs moving about.
Are they dangerous? I've never seen them before.

I thought something is wrong with the water and took a test strip to check.
After taking the strip out, the strip has like brown stuff on it, the water surface has some brown stuff as well, should I clear it or do a water change?

Sounds like this is the start of your tank cycle and should happen, leave the tank as it is and just test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. All seems well on track to me!


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odin wrote:Sounds like this is the start of your tank cycle and should happen, leave the tank as it is and just test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. All seems well on track to me!


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Hi Odin,

Even if I transferred the old tank contents into the new one, it will start to cycle again?
What are those white specs and brown stuff anyway?

The brown is likely diatoms and the white things could be this: copepods

viewtopic.php?t=155

Photos would help identify it more though, I'm kind of guessing :p


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odin wrote:The brown is likely diatoms and the white things could be this: copepods

viewtopic.php?t=155

Photos would help identify it more though, I'm kind of guessing :p


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This is taken from bottom up! You see the brown thing on the water? That's the one! The shrimps seemed to have picked a hole into that thing. Are these diatoms? I thought they usually will be on something and not floating about

How are copepods formed?
Looks like the one in the link but smaller





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I have a similar film on the top of the water, except it is green. It seems to be normal in stagnant saltwater tanks. The shrimp feed on it from time to time.

Halocaridina wrote:I have a similar film on the top of the water, except it is green. It seems to be normal in stagnant saltwater tanks. The shrimp feed on it from time to time.

Oh I see And what do I do with the copepods?


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Priscilla wrote:

Halocaridina wrote:I have a similar film on the top of the water, except it is green. It seems to be normal in stagnant saltwater tanks. The shrimp feed on it from time to time.

Oh I see And what do I do with the copepods?


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I have never had copepods, but it seems they feed on algae and tiny food particles in the water. Have you tried water changes and less feeding (if you are feeding)?

Halocaridina wrote:

Priscilla wrote:

Halocaridina wrote:I have a similar film on the top of the water, except it is green. It seems to be normal in stagnant saltwater tanks. The shrimp feed on it from time to time.

Oh I see And what do I do with the copepods?


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I have never had copepods, but it seems they feed on algae and tiny food particles in the water. Have you tried water changes and less feeding (if you are feeding)?

I stopped feeding them for about a week plus already.
Should I do a water change now?

Copepods are a good sign though!