Duster worm colony in sump

Ive had this tank for a few months now. It has a built in sump/filtration system along the entire back - its really hard to work on but I was going to do a complete sump clean up tonight because ive been fighting a little cyano, so thought it might help.

Anyway - the back of this tank, the sump, basically goes up and down, small fuge, return area - I took a flash light to look down in the tunnels and they are pretty full of small feather duster worms... i mean tons of them, doesnt look like it is slowing down flow any but there gotta be dozens if not hundreds attached to the side walls -

These are a very good thing though right? Other than if they grow so dense they restrict flow but otherwise a good thing to keep yes?

Thanks
Tom

 

Could you try to post a pic? It's possible that they're feather dusters, but more probable they're colonial hydroids. Hydroids are also filter feeders but have a nasty sting, so you wouldn't want them to spread to the DT; It's also highly advisable that you not touch them with your bare hand.

 

Yes they are a good thing, they are adding a little help filtering your system water

 

Im 90% certain they aren't hyrdoids - they have the long tubes behind the heads, and I didnt think hydroids had those? do they? lol

 

There are many different types of hydroids; the colonial type look identical to what you're describing-- a colony of feather dusters (yes, tubes and all).

Here's a photo of one variety.

If you could post a pic it would be most helpful, but to answer your original question, they won't hurt anything as long as they're not restricting flow.

 

Its really hard to get a pic - because its along the back of the tank close to the wall - some of these will get sucked up but i really need to vac the bottom...

And its upside down - doh! lol

 

Here we go

 

wow, those are some serious long worms......do others think they look like feather dusters? They look like sand worms on steroids to me.....curious as to other's ID

 

That was my first reaction too oldfishkeeper LoL - looked around better they are ALL over the sump, going to be breaking down the sump today to clean it out good and clean all my pumps, etc -

 

I would clear them out......I think that's a good move......I'll let others chime in...