They look exactly like limpets-see link->http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/Tank_critters.shtml They are the ones in the picture on the left. They are all over my tank, and are climbing up out of the water-stuck to the sides of the tank, and all over the rocks. They feel hard on the outside, and are almost super-glued to the sides of the tank. We took all of our fish out of one 30gal tank, and into this other one. The former tank-even though it has been empty for about a month now-also has these things in there-stuck to the sides of the tank. I can't tell if they are alive or dead now...but I have looked up fish lice, and then came across this photo-which is exactly what they look like. I am still not convinced-alot of things could look like those right? I just want to know exactly what they are. Alot of fish have been dying off recently too, but I don't see any of these things on the fish.
2006-12-17 21:01:00 · 8 answers · asked by Little Jeannie 4 in Pets ➔ Fish
Most of them seem to like staying up out of the water(closer to the light maybe?) We have pushed them down below the water line-and they move back up, out of the water. They have a hard outer shell. (we switched tanks because of a leak-we didn't know the tank had these things in there-the empty tank still has some water in the gravel as well).
2006-12-18 08:10:36 · update #1
If it is Limpets the only thing I can find on how to rid them is to smash them. If this thank is now empty I would do a complete water change and clean your rocks WELL! Then let it cycle before adding your fish back in. Maybe even add some salt made for freshwater aquariums just to help.
2006-12-18 02:51:46 · answer #1 · answered by angelmwilson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did not have to move your fish... Did you cycle your new tank, where your fish are now? It is quite likely that the shock from the move, plus ammonia and nitrite spikes, is causing the death of the fish. Adhere to a proper cleaning schedule, and change 20% of the water twice a week for the next week or two, then clean 30% once a day.
As for your 'invaded' tank, it may well be limpets; without a picture, I can't confirm. They are probably dead now, if they have been without water for a month. Can you remove them manually? With your fingernail? Spray them with a 1:1 water:vinegar solution first, to soften 'em up, then you can try with your fingernail or a razerblade.
Many pests invade aquariums and few are harmful to the fish - but they often indicate overfeeding and inadequate cleaning. Be sure to only feed what you fish can eat in 2-3 minutes, once or twice a day, and remove uneaten food. Replace 30% of the water once a week and vacuum the gravel.
2006-12-18 01:29:23 · answer #2 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
before doing a complete water change try this first it is called *Aquarium Salt* its pure & natural crystals, dissolves fast, adds beneficial electrolytes, reducces stress,cleans aquariums and accessories I bought 16 oz for $3.49 and it works wounders on my tank
2006-12-18 04:50:00 · answer #3 · answered by Tonya V 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never heard of limpets but I have heard of argulus
anyway, if you want to get rid of them, get some CLOUT
at your pet shop, if they don't have it ask them to order it
for you (it really is the best) treat both of your tanks
2006-12-17 21:46:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would get yourself a new tank, and totally clean the one you have now with some kind of bacteria stuff.
2006-12-23 13:28:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try using common salt (not iodised table slat)
2006-12-17 23:08:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
hope there not gremlins, too late for the water part if it is.
2006-12-24 04:26:48 · answer #7 · answered by crazy b 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
only oxygan
2006-12-17 21:16:40 · answer #8 · answered by Adoo 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋