Tiny Shrimp Infestation

[shmato007]

Hi Everyone,

I have an established 40 gal tank with about 25 # of live rock.

I have noticed hundreds of tiny shrimp-like critters scooting around the rock but mostly on the bottom. They range from "pinhead" size up to about 1/4 inch.

Is this something I should be concerned with or are they beneficial.

I'm planning to add some new fish since I only have one Yellow Tang. Could these critters provide a food source for a particular fish?

Thanks for your help,
Rich

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

Most of those 'shrimp-like' creatures will be arthropods or copepods. In general, we call them pods.

Although many marine fishes eat them, there are neither enough of them to keep a fish fed, nor a variety of them to provide proper nutrition. Their population comes and goes with the conditions of the tank, their predators, food source, etc.

Basic answer to your question is that there is no concern. I hope you have read these posts:
Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

The Mature Aquarium

You'll a lot more information in this post which contains links to many other subjects discussed on this forum: Table/Contents - Link List

Good luck!