Air Filter Box.

Kay guys, cause I can be an idiot, I thought I'd ask your opinion about the contents of my air filter box.

(Click images for a larger view)

Here's the box after removing the paper filter...
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/zephram22/Filter%20Box/th_DSCN0678.jpg (http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/zephram22/Filter%20Box/DSCN0678.jpg)

Under the front portion of the box is this contraption. What is it. How careful should I be if I try to remove it?

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/zephram22/Filter%20Box/th_DSCN0680.jpg (http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/zephram22/Filter%20Box/DSCN0680.jpg) http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/zephram22/Filter%20Box/th_DSCN0679.jpg (http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/zephram22/Filter%20Box/DSCN0679.jpg)

Also noticed some water in the bottom of the box and it looks like some algae is growing in there.

As I was removing the ducting from the box to the intake, I did notice some white residue past the MAF and metal screen. I think I remember someone talking about it before, but not sure where.