Clear nuisance algae

[Davey-Jones’-Locker]

Hello R2R,

New member but not new to the forum. I’m having issues with a clear branching macro algae that is taking over my display. It seems to only grow in dark areas (under rocks, shaded areas and in the sump). My yellow tang and algae blenny will not touch it. I’ve been a researching for weeks with no luck. Any direction would be appreciated.

75 gallon display, 40B sump w/chaeto, SCA 302 skimmer with a CO2 scrubber, Jebao DCP-6500 return and dual Jebao RW-8 WaveMakers, Chinese black box leds for lighting (I know, I know)

Current parameters are as follows:
Red Sea Coral pro salt @ 34 ppt
PH-9.5
Calcium 420
Mg-1320
Nitrates-0.3
Phosphates-.02

 

[scabbedwings616]

Is it hurting anything?

 

[peteyspizza]

Judging by the pics it looks kind of like a type of sponge we used to have growing around the tanks. It didn't seem to bother anything so we left it and after a while it just went away own its own.

 

[Davey-Jones’-Locker]

It’s growing on the base of some frag plugs, gotten onto a paly colony and beginning to grow up the stalks. The palys seem to be stressed and lost some coloration.

 

[Davey-Jones’-Locker]

And I can’t believe I didn’t consider the possibility of it being a sponge the branching growth threw me off. I’ll do some more research today