Red sponge at bottom of tank

[shallowreefers]

I’ve just brought a second hand reef and this has appeared. Is it because of high level of phosphate? Would you recommend doing a water change to lower the phosphate? Am new to corals so don’t want to ruin them

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family!

 

[kevgib67]

Sorry I can’t id that but welcome, glad you are here!

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Welcome!

 

[Reef Wizard]

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

Hello, and welcome to Reef2Reef!

@ISpeakForTheSeas, any ideas on what this is?

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome!

 

[paragrouper]

Hi, it’s a bit difficult to make out and may be easier if you turn up your white lights. I typically find sponges growing on the rock work or in my AIO chambers—mostly in lowlight conditions. It may also be the start of Cyano. If you take a bulb syringe (Turkey baster) and blow on it cyano would easily blow of the sand.

In any case, I wouldn’t try to make any changes, other than routine water changes, until you sort what it is and what’s causing it.

 

[SPS2020]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[SPS2020]

I’ve just brought a second hand reef and this has appeared. Is it because of high level of phosphate? Would you recommend doing a water change to lower the phosphate? Am new to corals so don’t want to ruin them

That's part of the 'ugly phase' and normal. Check out some of the Sticky Posts here for good information.

Edit: I thought you were asking about the brown algae. Maybe a better picture of the sponge would be helpful for identification.

 

[Shnetts]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’ve just brought a second hand reef and this has appeared. Is it because of high level of phosphate? Would you recommend doing a water change to lower the phosphate? Am new to corals so don’t want to ruin them

Need pic under white lighting but preliminarily looks to be diatoms

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[00W]

Welcome Welcome to R2R!

 

[kvansloo]

Hello, and welcome.

 

[phillyb614]

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Possibly diatoms. Common in early stages. Take things slowly. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.
Where in uk are you?
You can get the UK banner here: Click Account then “Join User Group”, scroll to the bottom and click on “United Kingdom User Group‘’

 

[56longroof]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[zheka757]

Welcome to R2R!