What is growing on my snail?

[AUSXMD]

I have a Waterbox Infinia 230.6 that has been up and running for about 4 months now. I only have a few fish in it at this point and some snails (taking it slowly). Anyway, I noticed this growing on the shell of two of my snails. A TikTok discussion group was a bit of a mixed bag of identifications - from Kenya tree to a form of "harmless algae." I thought I'd ask here to see if it's something I should leave alone, get rid of, etc? Thanks for your help. I've only ever had FOWLR tanks, so if it's a coral that may change my mind in the direction I take the tank.

Thanks again,
Scott

 

[Baby Damsel 219]

looks harmless. do you have any coral?

 

[AUSXMD]

looks harmless. do you have any coral?

No coral. Just dead live rock. Do you think it's a Kenya tree?

 

[Baby Damsel 219]

is could just be your coral-splitting and letting is offspring float through the water column till it find a spot to grow on.

 

[Baby Damsel 219]

but you said there was no coral so It could be a hitchhiker on your dead live rock. It could be a dead coral. I got a lot of those on my dead live rock. Keep us updated on growth

 

[AUSXMD]

is could just be your coral-splitting and letting is offspring float through the water column till it find a spot to grow on.

Ok, so it'd have to be some sort of coral that came from the place I got the snails since I have never introduced coral on my own. Is it too small at this point to positively identify?

 

[Baby Damsel 219]

It is mostly likely a Kenya tree. It may have spawned on your snail shell and now it is growing. What are the parameters?

 

[AUSXMD]

but you said there was no coral so It could be a hitchhiker on your dead live rock. It could be a dead coral. I got a lot of those on my dead live rock. Keep us updated on growth

My dead live rock was from an old tank that I saved in a large plastic garbage can filled with ro/di water without salt, so there was nothing alive on it when I put it in this tank.

 

[Baby Damsel 219]

yes, but the snail like you said may have had a small frag on its shell and started ground in your tank.

 

[AUSXMD]

It is mostly likely a Kenya tree. It may have spawned on your snail shell and now it is growing. What are the parameters?

Ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrates 5, ph 8.2, waiting on phos test to arrive. I don't have advanced testing since I was planning on a FOWRL. But now I'm kind of intrigued about coral, if that's what this is.

 

[Baby Damsel 219]

Your par is amazing. Higher the nitrates close to 10 for bright coral color and growth. Wich light do you have?

 

[AUSXMD]

Thank you. I have 3 AI 32s on it. I will try and increase the nitrates a bit. I assume that'll happen anyway as more fish are introduced and food. I really appreciate your advice! I knew this site would have answers.