Red Tentacles/structures coming out of live rock

[kaijor]

Hi there,

I was wondering if someone could help identify what this is on the live rock in the picture. It looks like there are a couple of red tentacles on the live rock. I just wanted to double check what they are before I put any corals in the tank as I don't want any hitchhikers kill them.

 

[blaxsun]

If you're able to upload any higher resolution images that would help.

 

[kaijor]

If you're able to upload any higher resolution images that would help.

These any better?

 

[blaxsun]

Yes. First impression is some sort of macro algae.

 

[kaijor]

Yes. First impression is some sort of macro algae.

Do you think it's harmful?

 

[blaxsun]

Do you think it's harmful?

That I'm not sure of. Invasive, probably. Whether it would out compete your corals is the question.

 

[kaijor]

That I'm not sure of. Invasive, probably. Whether it would out compete your corals is the question.

I had the tank for a couple of months now and didn't really notice these (I also may have not been looking too closely). I didn't have the lights on until this week as I put fish in the reef tank.

 

[Rp8]

Could be red carpet algae or cyano bacteria. Either come from a nutrient imbalance. If it is a new tank, it is going thru an ugly phase. Test weekly or more to find where nutrients are imbalanced. Blow it off/ suck it upwith a turkey baster and try to catch it in a net.
Best of luck

 

[madmarks]

+1 on red algae. Since it is not slimy it is doubtful that it is cyno. It maybe the start of red hair algae (see below).