Help me id this hitchhiker

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by mcsmike, Aug 22, 2011.

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  1. mcsmike

    mcsmike Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2011
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    Hey guys im just setting up my first tank. I bought some live rock with coralline, to seed the rest of the dead rock in my tank. I just noticed these little worms and was wondering what they are.

    [​IMG][​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    mcsmike, Aug 22, 2011
    mcsmike, Aug 22, 2011
    #1

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  2. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

    Joined:
    May 9, 2011
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    926
    Location:
    NE Louisiana
    Hard to tell, but that looks like green star polyps but I've never seen them on stalks like that.

    Edit:
    What kind of light do you have, they may be reaching out for light, but at second look that purple mat is a dead ringer for GSP mat.
     
    Coastie Reefer, Aug 22, 2011
    Coastie Reefer, Aug 22, 2011
    #2
  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    I agree GSP, they will reach if kept in good flow and lower light.
     
    2in10, Aug 22, 2011
    2in10, Aug 22, 2011
    #3
  4. mcsmike

    mcsmike Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2011
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    What is GSP, purple mat? Are they harmful to my tank, im still in the cycling stage.
     
    mcsmike, Aug 22, 2011
    mcsmike, Aug 22, 2011
    #4
  5. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

    Joined:
    May 9, 2011
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    926
    Location:
    NE Louisiana
    GSP= Green Star Polyp = a coral

    May or may not make it through the cycle, but that stuff is pretty hardy. It's not bad, but you may have to trim it back (ie pull up some of the purple encrusting mat) to keep it from taking over your rock. Some people love it and let it do just that though. If you have weak lighting it probably won't grow very quickly at all though.
     
    Coastie Reefer, Aug 22, 2011
    Coastie Reefer, Aug 22, 2011
    #5
  6. 55gfowlr

    55gfowlr Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2011
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    1,107
    Location:
    Daytona Florida
    Question......

    What is better for filtration, coralline algae, or coral covered rock.....
     
    55gfowlr, Aug 22, 2011
    55gfowlr, Aug 22, 2011
    #6

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  7. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2010
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    4,257
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Neither provides "filtration", at least in the context I believe you're stating your question.

    It's the porous surface of live rock which allows bacteria to colonize and provide filtration to your water/system.

    Now both coralline algae and coral will feed upon things in the water column, but they don't provide any real form of filtration.
     
    evolved, Aug 22, 2011
    evolved, Aug 22, 2011
    #7
  8. SushiGirl

    SushiGirl Barracuda

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    It's GSP. I've never seen any NOT on stalks LOL.
     
    SushiGirl, Aug 22, 2011
    SushiGirl, Aug 22, 2011
    #8
  9. Dr. Bergeron

    Dr. Bergeron Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2009
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    Location:
    Lake Worth, FL
    Congrats on your first coral!
     
    Dr. Bergeron, Aug 22, 2011
    Dr. Bergeron, Aug 22, 2011
    #9
  10. scadsobees

    scadsobees Fire Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    325
    GreenStarPolyp = good in a new tank...I paid for mine!!;)

    A nice hardy beginner coral, spreads fairly fast. It can take over, so keep it somewhat isolated, but enjoy watching it grow for a while first:)
     
    scadsobees, Aug 22, 2011
    scadsobees, Aug 22, 2011
    #10
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