Large brown bubble - algae?

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SWnewbie

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Hello All and Happy New Year!

Looking for some help to ID this odd form of what appears to be bubble algae. I noticed it growing alone next to my zoas and out of curiosity alone to see what it does I left it for about a month. This is what it looks like now and does not appear like the typical green bubble algae that I see some much of on the forums. It's probably about 3 inches wide and two inches tall. It has always been this same amber-ish color.

I wanted to know if there is a name for it and if I should keep or toss it?

My phosphates are around 0.05 and Nitrates around 5.

Thanks in advance!

20221222_100005.jpg 20221222_095941.jpg
 
It did not. The only rock I have was a dry one I bought from LFS when the tank was first setup in March 2022.
I have no idea what it is - there are two other threads I've seen with similar looking (to me at least) specimens though. In one of the threads it's suggested to be a sponge or Ulva lactuca - I personally find both of these suggestions to be doubtful (particularly the sponge), but I would guess it's a macroalgae of some kind. White light pics may help with the ID, but I don't know macroalgae very well at this point, though, so @WheatToast any thoughts?

The threads:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/brown-bubble-algae.366277/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/giant-bubble-algae-id-m.594325/
Edit: just to add, if it isn't spreading, it may not be a pest algae.
 

HOW MUCH DOES A FISH’S FEEDING REQUIREMENTS AFFECT YOUR STOCKING DECISIONS?

  • A lot! - I avoid fish that require frequent or specialized feeding

    Votes: 6 33.3%
  • Quite a bit, but an automatic feeder can change my answer

    Votes: 3 16.7%
  • It depends on whether my nutrient export can handle it

    Votes: 3 16.7%
  • It depends on how badly I want the fish

    Votes: 5 27.8%
  • Not much. I’m willing to adjust my routine

    Votes: 4 22.2%
  • Not at all. Feeding demands don’t limit my stocking choices

    Votes: 4 22.2%
  • I usually learn about the demanding feeding schedule after buying the fish!

    Votes: 1 5.6%
  • I haven’t really considered this before

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Something else (see my comments in the thread)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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