mucus-like stringy substance over live rock

[tsinkoy]

hi. Right before my feather duster croaked, I saw that there was a mucus-like stringy substance touching it and it was also over some of my live rock. I don't know where it came from, so I'm wondering if it contributed to the death of my feather duster.

I've read that some corals can release stringy substances to draw in prey, but the only corals I have are a Kenya tree and a stubby mushroom.

Where could that have come from? What could it be?

 

[ScottK]

What color is it? Do you have a picture?

 

[tsinkoy]

No picture, but I will see if it's still there when I get home. It was white.

 

[marki24]

did u do a water change recently?

 

[tsinkoy]

I did not do any water change recently.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Sounds like some form bacteria, I would siphon it out asap and do a water change.

 

[KathyC]

Did it look like this?

http://www.reefs.org/library/aquarium_net/0897/0897_8.html

 

[tsinkoy]

Yes it did! I recall reading something about it on here a couple of weeks ago, but couldn't find it. I'm guessing this is normal? safe?

Thanks KathyC.

 

[KathyC]

Yes, they are common in reef tanks & they are harmless..except for the mess they make with their feeders thingies. If you read the article you'll learn lots about them..they are kinda interesting.
It didn't hurt your feather duster, that was more of a coincidence.

And you did see something recently on here - try using the 'seach' function at the top of the home page.

I have way too many in my tank and they drive me nuts when I feed. At one point it was suggested I break them off, did that to one and saw the poor thing curl up inside (may have been ugly but I felt guilty...) so I sealed them up with glue...they just comeback out elsewhere if you try that.
Now we live together in peace...

 

[NYreefNoob]

do you have any wrasse's ?

 

[KathyC]

do you have any wrasse's ?

...not according to what's listed under his signature line!

 

[ZANYMASTER]

High nitrates kill those dusters don't it?

 

[tsinkoy]

do you have any wrasse's ?

No, I don't have any wrasses. Why?

 

[NYreefNoob]

wrasse's leave a mucus where they sleep at night on the rock, so figured you could count one thing down