Identifying this algae or sponge or …

[Savage Henry]

I have some of this stuff growing at the moment.

I was thinking it is some kind of algae or sponge.

 

[Subsea]

Consider tunicates.

 

[Savage Henry]

Thanks, I’ll look into tunicates. Nutrient levels are very low.

 

[Privateye]

I think it could be chrysophytes, but confirming may require a microscope. I'd start with touching it though. If it comes off easily, like snot, then I think chrysophytes are likely.

IME they tend to go away on their own. You can encourage that by siphoning it off the rocks.

 

[Tahoe61]

I think it could be chrysophytes, but confirming may require a microscope. I'd start with touching it though. If it comes off easily, like snot, then I think chrysophytes are likely.

IME they tend to go away on their own. You can encourage that by siphoning it off the rocks.

^

And keep an eye on it.

 

[Savage Henry]

Thanks all, it does come off easily. I use an old toothbrush to scrub it off.

The tanks been running for over two years now, but it’s experienced two crashes caused by broken electric wires and copper poisoning, which killed snails and resulted in crashes. Anyway, there’s been various algae and stuff come and go. It’s frustrating that the tank hasn’t settled yet. Running lots of chaeto which I guess is why the nitrates and phosphates are almost zero.

 

[Savage Henry]

From researching chrysophytes I think my lighting is too intense or too long at the moment. Most of the coralline algae is bleached except in shaded areas. The sump has good purple coralline algae.