Weird thing

[pixie3004]

I found this in my shrimp tank. Can someone please let me know what on earth it is I started my tank two months ago and I noticed something was eating my plants and then I found that in the tank

[jayc]

I can't quite make it out.

But have a look at this thread http://shrimpkeepersforum.com/forum/topic/1384-aquariumtank-creatures-101/

to see if you can ID it.

 

Whatever it is, it's wouldn't have been good for the shrimp. Goo that you got it out.

But keep a look out for more.

Edited July 24, 2015 by jayc

[GotCrabs]

@Callan might be able to help out with this, but I'd say it's a nasty and keep an eye out for more, if there is one, fair chance there could be a couple more.

Looks like a small moth or something still in cocoon stage.

[pixie3004]

Thanks just neva heard of a month or butterfly hatching in water.... Strange

[pixie3004]

Here is another pic from side

[GotCrabs]

Could even be a Dragonfly larvae as well.

[Callan]

It could be three things that I can think of.

Dragonfly Nymph Deadly to shrimp 

Caddisfly Larvae mainly feeds on plants but can also kill shrimp.....Look for silk threads on leaf on underside

Midge Mainly a leaf eater

I cant say for sure but I have checked my freshwater insect reference and I think Caddisfly larvae personally because in second photo it looks like a silk type cacoon

I would be checking because if there is one there could be more. Have you added new plants a cpouple of months ago. it is possible it came in on the plants as eggs. You may need to remove plants and treat. I would also be having a good look on substrate rocks etc for more. Hope this helps.

[pixie3004]

There is definitely silk threads

[pixie3004]

I am sure there are more. I have 4 pregnant females at the moment and don't wanna loose any babies. Is the only way to remove is by hand cause obviously you cant use killers?... Right? U have been great help thanks alot

[GotCrabs]

Yeah I'd be removing my hand just to be safe and clear anything out that just doesn't look right.

[pixie3004]

How do you treat the plants?

[GotCrabs]

I think most people treat in diluted hydrogen peroxide, just dip them in a mix for a few seconds and then rinse under water before going back in the tank.

I've never had dramas insects/pests in the tank so other members might be able to tell you the treatment for sure.

[pixie3004]

Thanks will do. I Googled all that was mentioned and it doesn't really look the same, but I will definitely remove

[pixie3004]

Wish I didn't have either :-)

[jayc]

H2O will kill the plant, if you dip it the plant in long enough to kill insect eggs or larvae.

Methylene Blue is more effective. 

[GotCrabs]

Yeah pays to be safe, anything that doesn't look right, remove it for sure.

Can be a worry.

[Callan]

Caddisfly larvae has two different stages of larvae. The fact that there is a silk like thread cocoon I would say that it is definately it. I would be confident that it came in on the plant in egg stage and that is why it has taken so long to show up .

You can use what GC has mentioned or you can use condy's crystal I had to buy mine of ebay. It's hard to get know.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Callan

[pixie3004]

Thanks will try. Do you add in tank or how doe you use?

[jayc]

You soak the plants in it BEFORE introducing the plant to the tank.

That is, it's an external treatment. Do not add it to your tank.

Edited July 24, 2015 by jayc

[pixie3004]

Thank you

[Callan]

And make sure that you rinse the plants before re-introducing to tank. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to direct dose black beard algae but in your case follow JayC,s directions and rinse. Good luck I would also do a check of substrate surface and on driftwood or rocks if applicable just to make sure you have no more hiding.

[fishmosy]

H2O will kill the plant, if you dip it the plant in long enough to kill insect eggs or larvae.

I thought H₂O was good for plants?

Bloody di-hydrogen oxide. Terrible stuff. One of the most effective solvents in the world.......

 

.....  Maybe you mean H₂O₂ ?

 

 

Edited July 24, 2015 by fishmosy

[GotCrabs]

Jesus, makes me sound bad saying dip it in hydrogen peroxide, I just mean a quick dip, and then rinse under water....

[pixie3004]

Lol ? no fighting

[kizshrimp]

Potassium Permanganate is the normal treatment for plants, a weak peroxide dip will probably work fine too.