Is this black algae what is being called Chicken Liver Algae?

DaHeffer · Feb 14, 2021

Recently started a new Saltwater 75g tank with a 35g-ish refugium. The system is about 7-8 months old. Just in the last week black spots have been developing on some of the rocks. I believe it to be chicken liver algae from what I can find out on the web. What to do with it is quite mixed. I was hoping for some confirmation as to what it may be so that I could focus my research into options.

Thank you in advance.

Ron Reefman · Feb 16, 2021

Welcome to Reef2Reef. Sorry you haven't seen any replies yet.

I have no experience with that sponge.

You also might try for a better photo... that might help.

BlueCursor · Feb 16, 2021

I think that is black sponge. Causes no problems unless you have massive die off, like all sponges. I have a big patch that has been growing for 8 years in a shady spot. I love mine.

vetteguy53081 · Feb 16, 2021

Black sponge and yellow sponge no good and high in toxicity
Removal- CAREFUL REMOVAL is best.
best practice is to expose to air for at least 30 mins
If not possible, inject vinegar or air via syringe.
If you choose to brush it off, do so out of water finished off with peroxide. Rinse after with tank water .
To lessen chance of toxins...., add a pouch of chemipure elite which will absorb such

DaHeffer · Mar 3, 2021

Thank you for the responses, I have little time to respond till now.

Not long after the post I was at a store getting more salt and asked them about it. He asked me what the phosphate level was and all I could do was look at him, with one of those blank looks. Being new I had mistakenly thought I would not have to worry about phosphates until I had more of a bioload so I had no clue.

Tested and it was literally off of the chart. Picked up some liquid phosphate remover and after a couple water changes and sparring use of the remover I got the levels down over a couple weeks. Waiting for BRS to get the mini reactors back in stock and I will add GFO to keep the levels down.

After some time, the black sponge (or Chicken Liver, which is more fun to say) faded and is now all but completely gone. Bonus the corals are looking rather perky now a well.

I was prepared to have small patches, if for nothing else to add color variety but it was spreading at an alarming (to me at any rate) pace. Was not looking forward to removing the stuff by hand.

Again, thanks for the responses.