Weird cluster of green solid tube-like structures

[JayFish4004]

I have searched and searched but have yet to figure out just what this is - it starts as a single brownish tube that has now kinda morphed into these clusters of greenish tubes. It’s not hair algae and is pretty tough to remove. It fixes to the live rock and is more solid (doesn’t flow in the current). I will also occasionally see a red string-like worm net type deal come out of the tips if that makes sense.

Any ideas what I have going here?

 

[damsels are not mean]

No idea, but that sounds cool and I want some if it doesn't become a plague.

 

[TnFishwater98]

Is it in a shaded spot? Could be a sponge.

 

[JayFish4004]

No idea, but that sounds cool and I want some if it doesn't become a plague.

I’m hoping it doesn’t but there are about 15 clusters of ‘em.

Is it in a shaded spot? Could be a sponge.

They are in about 15 various spots of clusters in the tank - I don’t think any are in the shade

 

[damsels are not mean]

I will also occasionally see a red string-like worm net type deal come out of the tips if that makes sense.

Sounds like maybe a feather duster of some type of filter feeder? Do the tubes flex at all or are they totally rigid?

 

[JayFish4004]

Sounds like maybe a feather duster of some type of filter feeder? Do the tubes flex at all or are they totally rigid?

Totally rigid tubes

 

[TnFishwater98]

Definitely not green but here is a type of sponge in the corner of my frag tank. Tube like.

 

[JayFish4004]

Definitely not green but here is a type of sponge in the corner of my frag tank. Tube like.

Hmmm it doesn’t feel the same but its possible - do sponges send out little strings to catching things?

 

[TnFishwater98]

Hmmm it doesn’t feel the same but its possible - do sponges send out little strings to catching things?

Nope, I don’t think so but I’m not a expert on sponges...Or anything lol

 

[JayFish4004]

Nope, I don’t think so but I’m not a expert on sponges...Or anything lol

Here’s a shot right now - just did a water change so my hammer is rage pooping. These guys will catch it. You can faintly see the red poo hanging from the cluster there below.

 

[WheatToast]

Colonial hydroids?

 

[JayFish4004]

Colonial hydroids?

When I google hydroids I can’t really find anything similar.. this is perplexing

 

[a.t.t.r]

Looks like the start of a macro algae. Maybe bryopsis. Look real close.

 

[JayFish4004]

Looks like the start of a macro algae. Maybe bryopsis. Look real close.

I dont see any type of “leaf”-like characteristics like I see when I google bryopsis - its possible but just not sure

 

[WheatToast]

When I google hydroids I can’t really find anything similar.. this is perplexing

Sorry! I should have posted images:

With retracted tentacles:

With extended tentacles:

 

[a.t.t.r]

I dont see any type of “leaf”-like characteristics like I see when I google bryopsis - its possible but just not sure

Doesn’t always have the feathers. It looks a lot like how mine looks when it’s just starting or after my lettuce slugs get done with it. But pictures are pretty bad so it is hard to tell.

 

[WheatToast]

I dont see any type of “leaf”-like characteristics like I see when I google bryopsis - its possible but just not sure

Possibly Cladophoropsis as well?

 

[JayFish4004]

Possibly Cladophoropsis as well?

Hmm possibly - I just ran my finger across a couple of the clusters to see if they stung (feared maybe stinging hydroids), but it didn’t seem to. They feel almost similar to soft blades of grass that will bend when I run my finger across.

Any idea what I might do to remove? Starting to feel like this may be a nuisance coming on

 

[JayFish4004]

Sorry! I should have posted images:

With retracted tentacles:

With extended tentacles:

Yeah I don’t think its those - leaning towards macroalgae at this point

 

[JayFish4004]

Doesn’t always have the feathers. It looks a lot like how mine looks when it’s just starting or after my lettuce slugs get done with it. But pictures are pretty bad so it is hard to tell.

What is the best way to combat? Can I assume this will get out of control if I don’t go after it?