Possible Macro Algae

[claytonh1995]

This is a two year old tank with 3.5 year old live rock that started dry. I have no corals in this tank only anemones and fish. Recently I have this gold like growth on the rocks and can’t figure what it is. Can you help?

 

[JTP424]

The thing in the center or upper center?
I think the soft looking thing might be a sponge? I'd poke it and see it's consistency. If it's squishy probably a sponge, more solid probably a macro.

 

[claytonh1995]

The thing in the center or upper center?
I think the soft looking thing might be a sponge? I'd poke it and see it's consistency. If it's squishy probably a sponge, more solid probably a macro.

The large gold colored thing below the orange looking sponge. It has a medium density. Not soft but not hard.

 

[JTP424]

Still thinking sponge....

 

[claytonh1995]

Still thinking sponge....

I don’t know the consistency of all sponges. I have only been in the hobby a few years and did my best to learn the coral side of things but I am just not educated on this side of things.

 

[Subsea]

I think sponge as well, but I have not seen those colors. There are more than 20K sponge variety that have been identified, not sure what you got. Looks neat.

Can you adjust lights to all white

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

This is a two year old tank with 3.5 year old live rock that started dry. I have no corals in this tank only anemones and fish. Recently I have this gold like growth on the rocks and can’t figure what it is. Can you help?

Definitely a member of Ectocarpales, most likely either a Colpomenia or Leathesia algae specifically; either way, puffy brown algae like this is not difficult to control that I have seen, and it's also pretty rare in our tanks. A neat algae to find; if you don't want it, I would offer it to someone else.

Your friend is right; that's definitely a brown macroalgae; probably Colpomenia sinuosa (Oysterthief) or a close relative. It should be harmless and relatively easy to remove/keep in check. It's not super commonm, so if you don't want it, I would offer it others/to your LFS or public aquarium.

 

[claytonh1995]

I think sponge as well, but I have not seen those colors. There are more than 20K sponge variety that have been identified, not sure what you got. Looks neat.

Can you adjust lights to all white

I took some pictures and some with all white light. It has grown substantially in a small amount of time. It has a hard sponge consistency when touched. I appreciate everyone’s input. I think no matter what it is, I am going to allow it to grow and see how it goes.

 

[Subsea]

I think this is unique. As a 55 year reefer, i have never seen this.