Barnacle clusters

[nyshoots]

Do dead dry barnacle clusters become live and help filter the tank like rock or are they just decoration ? I ask this because i have a small tank with a large cluster in it raking up space and while I really like the way it looks I don't want it if its not helping

 

[tacson]

live rocks is actually dead its living organism that lives in it, that make the live rock alive ..in your case yes, that cluster of barnacle will be helpful after awhile ..

 

[rookie07]

If the barnacles are dead, they are dead and will never become alive again (as barnacles). Bacteria will grow on them and that will help "filter" the water like a very thin piece of LR. LR is better bc it is dense and porous.

 

[nyshoots]

I knew the barnacles wouldn't grow back but that's the answer I was looking for. Being that its less dense it is not as good a filter and therefore taking up space

 

[rookie07]

I knew the barnacles wouldn't grow back but that's the answer I was looking for. Being that its less dense it is not as good a filter and therefore taking up space

Exactly! You're far better off with actual rock than the dead barnacle cluster.

 

[DSNYshellback]

Although if you have a lawnmower blenny he will love you to keep one

Sent from my ADR6400L using Reefs

 

[troywalkerphoto]

yes and no. No because if dead they don't filter. Yes, because other organisms may make a home of them. However, barnacle shells as not porous so there is little chance that the type of organisms that would be beneficial would host them besides nitrifying bacteria. Small fish and inverts would definitely benefit from the additional hiding spaces.

 

[Jaydub]

Is it best to scrape small barnacles off your tank and will they kinda die off..? Or will they spread..? Or better yet just leave them..?

 

[rookie07]

Is it best to scrape small barnacles off your tank and will they kinda die off..? Or will they spread..? Or better yet just leave them..?

Leave them be.