Something On The Rock... What is it?

[Assassin Smoke]

New to saltwater setups. This stuff came on my live rock. Had it for a month but not sure if it is still alive or even what it is. Anybody got a good eye for identification? Thanks.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Hmm looks like stalks to some sort of algae. Does it move?

 

[btkrausen]

I'd say that its diatoms from a cycle. If the tank is new, it needs to cycle first, in which you'll likely see diatoms on the rock like this. With good husbandry it'll go away on its own.

 

[aquabull]

Appears to my blind eyes to be a nest of tubeworm type critters covered with microalgae. Feater duster types (not likely) or terbellid worms or verbellid snails (both are bad ju-ju; their slimey snot will dusturb corals, and can cause harm. Feather dustet types are not a problem.

 

[Paul_N]

I agree more with tubes from worms but look like the spaghetti worms you will find on the bottom of rocks and under sand. Is that rock new to your tank or newly moved? I would find them on the bottom of rocks when I moved them. They are normally white but when you flip the rock and expose it to the light, it will grow whatever algae is growing on your rocks over.

 

[Assassin Smoke]

It moves when pushed but is firm to the touch.

Haven't seen anything like a feather duster or worm come out of it.

It was ordered and cured and has been in my newly set up tank about a month.

The diatoms are just the brown algae around it, right?

 

[shred5]

Yea I would have to say they are some dead worm tubes.

 

[swannyson7]

I would agree that it's the calcerous tube from some sort of worm.

 

[Salty D]

They are dead colonial hydroids. Be thankful they're dead. They spread easily and are a nuisance. Here is a pic of mine being overtaken by a purple sponge.

 

[Hyprviperx]

Appears to my blind eyes to be a nest of tubeworm type critters covered with microalgae. Feater duster types (not likely) or terbellid worms or verbellid snails (both are bad ju-ju; their slimey snot will dusturb corals, and can cause harm. Feather dustet types are not a problem.

+1 on the tube worms/feather dusters

 

[Salty D]

If the tubes are flexible and dont break they aren't calcareous like tube worms or feather dusters. The tubes of hydroids are protein-chitinous which is flexible and can be bent easily without breaking. I've actually tied one in a knot before to see if it would die and it didn't.

 

[Assassin Smoke]

Ok. Thanks for the replies.

This is a great site. So much to learn! :smile: