Can you please identify this for me my local LFS can't

Athalus · Jan 31, 2017

Hi there. So whilst everyone is happy in my tank (275 litre) and I know what the brown stuff is, it is the white stuff that I have not been able to have identified.
I have cut back the time the lights are on to see if that helps.
The unidentified stuff is not stringy or puffy or bubbly in any way that I can see. Under the lights it is fluorescent.
Until I know that it is I dont want to add anything else to the tank.

Diesel · Jan 31, 2017

Are those new rocks added to a existing system?
Were they dry rocks or live rocks?
System is up running how long?

Salty1962 · Jan 31, 2017

Looks like some food accumulated on top of the rock and bacteria is on it. I used to see that if food was in the tank when I did maintenance on tanks.

kashman100 · Jan 31, 2017

I would say dead coraline algae. Maybe diatoms arent growing on it because its smooth and not porous like the resr of the rock

Athalus · Jan 31, 2017

Hi. Thank you for the answers. The tank is about 6 -7 months old and was started with dry rock and artificial rock.
I didn't know that coraline algae came in white? It has only recently appeared in the tank.
Definitely not food left in the tank though as I only have 2 clowns in the tank and feed them very slowly to ensure as little waste as possible.

Cary Hover · Feb 1, 2017

Some kind of sponge?

Shaddow_wolf169 · Feb 1, 2017

Cary Hover said:
Some kind of sponge?

+1

Cary Hover · Feb 1, 2017

Couldn't tell you a name. I had something similar growing on the base of a SPS. I took SPS out and scrapped all I could off and exposed the rest to air and it went away. Exposing sponges to air is suppose to kill them. Worked for me.

Athalus · Feb 1, 2017

Athalus · Feb 1, 2017

I had wondered if it was a sponge. I have a bubble tip nem who has attached itself to deep crevices in one of the rocks - a very large one at the back - so removing it to clean will be rather problematic. I will try taking a smaller rock out and scrub it and see what that does. I have put further pictures up in case that helps. Thanks in advance.

taintstick · Feb 1, 2017

I do not think that is sponge at all. If I'm looking at the right stuff. Seems like your tank is acclimating. I see "brown algae" beginning stages. If not beginning stages of your tank, then beginning stages for your rock. That rocks color looks almost brand new... the "brown algae" is green algae just disguised.

taintstick · Feb 1, 2017

Answer diesel questions and I'll be answered. Then you will have your diagnoses lol

Athalus · Feb 1, 2017

Hi taintstick. Dry and artificial rock. Tank about 6 to 7 months old. 2 clowns and new have been in there since early December.

taintstick · Feb 1, 2017

It's just algae, since you don't have coral on those spots, grab a soft-medium bristle toothbrush and go to town lol

taintstick · Feb 1, 2017

I don't have enough tank life to produce sponge everywhere like that. Plus you have to introduce it from live rock or an actual sponge piece.

taintstick · Feb 1, 2017

Check out this of a rock in my 30g in my closet haha. The red spot looks similar to what you have. This is called cyano algae or something like that. Get a product called Chemipure. Little tiny container with a baby baby tiny scooper haha. Follow instructions to the T! Human error is the only way it won't work. And again I think your tank is still young because you used dry rock, nothing live...

Thoms_here · Feb 1, 2017

I think I have found more of your algae, sponge (my choice) or whatever. Good luck!

Heres the link:
http://www.reefdup.com/2012/04/07/algae-red/

Now he's talking about the red patch here but this looks like what you have to me.

Unidentified Red Fuzzy Algae: Reef Safe
This photo was the only photo I was able to snap before my aquarium inhabitants gobbled this bit of algae up. I would consider it reef safe as I see no way for this type to get out of hand – it was apparently a delicacy in my aquarium!
This unidentified fuzzy red algae was a treat for my fish!