Hydroids?

[joro]

A few of our LPS have been struggling recently and we have found this mass. The best way I can describe it is as a lacy and translucent mass. While completely anecdotal, every LPS that has suffered recently had this mass close to and/or touching them when they started to decline. It's moved around the tank a few times and it's hard to tell whether it's propelling itself or if the current is given it's structure. I've removed it from the tank for now but wanted to get your thoughts ;Nailbiting

 

[Ty Hamatake]

"Lacy translucent mass" sounds like sponge to me. Have you made any progress on an ID?

 

[cowboy]

lets tag the #reefsquad

 

[Sabellafella]

If its killing stuff off it could be a type of hydroid. Looks like a normal sponge to me..top looks like glue on the bottom of a frag, otherwise looks like a sponge as well.

 

[Maritimer]

Agreed. Hydroids are distinct (though very tiny) cnidarians. This looks like a sponge, and though it _shouldn't_ be causing harm, it shouldn't cause any harm to remove it, either.

~Bruce

 

[john.m.cole3]

Looks like a job for the Ghost Busters!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

The focus in the pic isn't quite sharp enough.

 

[joro]

Thanks for the assistance and if this doesn’t appear to be hydroids, any idea what may be killing the LPS? One of my octospawns went downhill and died over a day or so. I’ve noticed that once they die, there is this white coating over the head for a few days then it disappears?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

We'd need more info. Parameters bio pellets gfo light etc.

 

[cowboy]

agreed with @saltyfilmfolks also let get a list of live stock just to rule out yiur lps being nipped at.

 

[joro]

Sorry folks, forgot to attach the pic which may help. In terms of parameters - admittedly - I haven't been testing as regularly given this tank is being moved on Friday to the new build. Last time I took readings or through constant monitoring on Apex, here's where I was at:

• SG - 1.026
• Ammonia / Nitrite - 0 ppm
• Nitrate - 10 ppm
• Temp - 80
• pH - 7.5

Thanks,