Marine snow and Nerite snails climbing out of tank

ddinox64 · 12/14/2008, 04:54 PM

I have thousands of little white guys (microscopic)climbing around in my tank. More noticably on the black colored parts of equipment. I have what looks like dust floating around and to me looks quite unsightly. I'm thinking it's the same little guys just suspended in the water being pumped around.

Is this marine snow? Is this good or bad? I see no ill effects on my softies or the two clowns I have. If anything, they look better. I did just add 500 copepods about a week ago. Could this have something to do with it? Babies

Copepods are the water ants right? That's what my kid, 4 years old calls them. Or are those the mysiss shrimp?

And about once a week I seem to have an exodus of sorts with my Nerites climbing out of my tank. What's up with that? 2am in the morning they sound like lead balls landing on the hardwood floors. It's not just one, it's usually like five or more when it happens.

thecoralreefer · 12/14/2008, 04:58 PM

I would do some water testing it sounds like they are running away from something
And Marine snow usually refers to calcium falling out of the water
and rocks.
If your water is high in alk it causes the calcium to release itself

acrodave · 12/14/2008, 05:02 PM

Nerites are a tidal zone snail and have to come out of the water everynow and then

WaterKeeper · 12/14/2008, 05:25 PM

You say climbing so they must be living critters and not a precipitate. Could be pods. They do swim at times and love to climb about. In most cases they tend to be nocturnal but will travel during the day. If you can get a pic it sure would help. If they are pods you are fine but it may be something more sinister.

ddinox64 · 12/14/2008, 05:32 PM

Well I feel better about my snails.

Just tested Alk. and it's right in the middle of normal range. Which according to my test kit is between 1.7-2.8. So 2.5?

12/14/2008, 04:54 PM	#1
ddinox64 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ca. Posts: 1,327	Marine snow and Nerite snails climbing out of tank I have thousands of little white guys (microscopic)climbing around in my tank. More noticably on the black colored parts of equipment. I have what looks like dust floating around and to me looks quite unsightly. I'm thinking it's the same little guys just suspended in the water being pumped around. Is this marine snow? Is this good or bad? I see no ill effects on my softies or the two clowns I have. If anything, they look better. I did just add 500 copepods about a week ago. Could this have something to do with it? Babies Copepods are the water ants right? That's what my kid, 4 years old calls them. Or are those the mysiss shrimp? And about once a week I seem to have an exodus of sorts with my Nerites climbing out of my tank. What's up with that? 2am in the morning they sound like lead balls landing on the hardwood floors. It's not just one, it's usually like five or more when it happens.

12/14/2008, 04:58 PM	#2
thecoralreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: west palm beach.fl Posts: 440	I would do some water testing it sounds like they are running away from something And Marine snow usually refers to calcium falling out of the water and rocks. If your water is high in alk it causes the calcium to release itself __________________ If it can be done I will try. If you say it can't I try harder. Current Tank Info: 29 bioreef

12/14/2008, 05:02 PM	#3
acrodave REEF NERD Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: maryville tn-- work in knoxville Posts: 4,187	Nerites are a tidal zone snail and have to come out of the water everynow and then __________________ Peace,Dave Superman puts on Tim Tebow pajamas when he goes to bed The Heisman as a sophomore nuff said Less technology more biology Tattoos are the only art you can take to the grave Current Tank Info: 26gal bow,20gal mantis tank/fuge150wHQI,20k AB Seio 620 maxijet1200x's 2 on a wave maker. all sps

12/14/2008, 05:25 PM	#4
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	You say climbing so they must be living critters and not a precipitate. Could be pods. They do swim at times and love to climb about. In most cases they tend to be nocturnal but will travel during the day. If you can get a pic it sure would help. If they are pods you are fine but it may be something more sinister. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

12/14/2008, 05:32 PM	#5
ddinox64 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ca. Posts: 1,327	Well I feel better about my snails. Just tested Alk. and it's right in the middle of normal range. Which according to my test kit is between 1.7-2.8. So 2.5?