Attack of The "FLEA"

[dnsfpl]

http://i34.*******.com/u53wm.jpg

what are these things? are they harmful? how can i get rid of them?
they populate very fast, initially on my sand, now its everywhere

thanks

[returnofsid]

Amphipods. Great lil' guys. Having lots of them is a very good sign. Eventually, they'll start populating your live rock, live sand and will become great fish food!!

[cpoll86]

look like copepods. they are good. its a natural food source for you tank and a sign that it is healthy

[iamwrasseman]

let them be they are good ,we want good ,good is good !

[dnsfpl]

what a relieve, but they are kinda eye sore
any ways to reduce their population?

thanks all

[Moonstream]

copepods. you will start seeing amphipods soon too. I find lots of those, haha, they look kinda scary and all, but they are a good sign. nice mushrooms by the way!

[tmz]

They will wax and wane over time depnding on nutrient levels and other availble foods.

[dnsfpl]

thanks all

will monitor closely

[BigJay]

It's all part of having a thriving reef.

A reef tank isn't supposed to be sterile. It's supposed to be alive crawling with all sorts of little critters. You get used to it after awhile.

[justinl]

any fish will eat them, but they aren't harmful at all. detritus and algae grazers for the most part

[DLANDINO]

If the sight on the glass bothers you, just run a magfloat over them every now and again. They will settle elsewhere in your reef.

Dave