2.5 and .5 gallon

[Freakyyfort]

I have a 2.5 and a half gallon sw. Just started up. The 2.5 has water from an established 55 but theven base Roch has turned this dark yellow almost orange. Pics included.

And I have this half gallon I put new saltwater in set it on the window seal with sunlight and forgot about it. It's been 2 weeks into its cycle. I have this thing on the side of a rock could someone identify it? Also is it normal to have little pods.. as they are called I've heard within the first two weeks of cycling.
Also note both have live sand from 29 gallon and neither have a heater. The 2.5 was at 80 degrees with the lights but the half gallon has never had lights on other than sunlight and no heat.. I'm in north dakota.. it's still cold round here.. haha

 

[Wilsoni]

It appears to be Corynactis Californica

 

[Freakyyfort]

Put the temp Guage in it shows 69 degrees haha looked up the Corynactis Californica they say cooler darker places so took the light off and put back in window seal and now just gonna leave it alone haha do its thing the way it wants to as its still cycling.

 

[Wilsoni]

Good call! They're such a beautiful coldwater species

 

[Freakyyfort]

I hope it turns out to be that. I got a little star thay came with the thermometer probe into the half gallon now so let the cycle continue

 

[Freakyyfort]

Also got these little plant looking things growing from the rock. Anyone have any idea on them?

 

[Freakyyfort]

Here is a full shot of the half gallon pico. My best tank so far haha.