What is this stuff on my rock?

[VaReefer]

I have this stuff growing on my rocks? It is a grey/white-ish color. Grows longer where the flow is stronger as well as the under side of caves where there is little light.

 

[tbrown]

Does it easily come off with a turkey baster? It kind of looks like either the start of some hair algae or a bacteria growth.

How old is the tank?

 

[VaReefer]

Tank has been up and running for seven months.

 

[tbrown]

Any recent deaths in the tank? Missing turbo snails or fish?

 

[davidm777]

Sorry I have no idea. I am here for the ride

 

[Michael71]

Is it actually pink or red or is that just your lighting?

 

[VaReefer]

Any recent deaths in the tank? Missing turbo snails or fish?

No deaths that i know of. Possible a snail or two has died.

 

[VaReefer]

Is it actually pink or red or is that just your lighting?

It is the lighting with a orange filter. The color is a grayish white.

 

[Isaac Alves]

I’m going to suggest it’s a bio-film of some kind. I’ve had something like this in the past. Possibly from carbon dosing?

 

[Michael71]

It is the lighting with a orange filter. The color is a grayish white.

Reef cleaners website has a nice section on nuisance algae. Check it out

 

[VaReefer]

Reef cleaners website has a nice section on nuisance algae. Check it out

I checked that out prior to posting here. Thankd

 

[Freenow54]

Tailgating as well It looks a lot like hair algae but have never seen pink

 

[Freenow54]

Did some research just a guess one of three things but think its Cyano Bacteria its there because of low flow excess nutrient's or imbalance between Nitrate and Phosphate. If its slimy to the touch that is what it is apparently comes off easy with Turkey Baster. And in Sheets If it is not slimy let me know I have two more guesses

 

[Freenow54]

Well ?

 

[Dan_P]

I have this stuff growing on my rocks? It is a grey/white-ish color. Grows longer where the flow is stronger as well as the under side of caves where there is little light.

You’ll need to get this under a microscope to figure this out.

The growth and color look like a sulfur bacteria, a large filamentous bacteria. Under the microscope the large filaments are divided by cell walls. The cells look empty. Thiothrix is an example. There are many more.

These bacteria typically oxidize sulfide but can switch over to organic carbon.

 

[VaReefer]

Tailgating as well It looks a lot like hair algae but have never seen pink

The color is actually a grayish white. The camera and filter make it look that color.

 

[VaReefer]

Did some research just a guess one of three things but think its Cyano Bacteria its there because of low flow excess nutrient's or imbalance between Nitrate and Phosphate. If its slimy to the touch that is what it is apparently comes off easy with Turkey Baster. And in Sheets If it is not slimy let me know I have two more guesses

It does not blow off easily. It is growing longest in higher flow.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have this stuff growing on my rocks? It is a grey/white-ish color. Grows longer where the flow is stronger as well as the under side of caves where there is little light.

Looks to be a fungal growth and is not very common in reef aquaria but on a rare occasion will pop up often triggered by low maintenance, low water flow and uneaten foods. While urchins, pitho crabs and conchs may consume this, best is to remove rock and apply peroxide to surface with a small paint brush and attempt removal otherwise scrub off with a firm toothbrush or automotive detail brush

 

[Freenow54]

Number 2 is Pink Turf Algae extremely hard to remove Likes High Light , High Flow . It says lower Nitrate , Phosphate. Most people do what vetteguy said but no mention of peroxide but scrubbing for sure every week. Looks like a long road for you if that is what it is . Most inverts wont touch it but Mexican Turbo Snails , Tuxedo Urchins which I cant keep alive for more than 2 days , and Emerald crabs may help

 

[Freenow54]

Last post obviously wrong then.
Described Filamentous Sponge / Harmless / Sign of a Mature Tank /Filter Feeder ( actually cleans your water ) /Likes Bacterial Plankton ? Use same inverts as above / says to take or pluck off with tweezers /limit silicates /no old rodi . That is my last guess . I I have small areas of a sponge too. Doesn't bother anything that I have noticed. It seems to me that all these infestations are removed the same way. It actually says to leave it. Not my choice Good Luck . Let us know please maybe vetteguy will comment on what I just said . I am only adding more info and possibilities not trying to start a competition. One thing is for sure there should be quite a few people chiming in that know what it is. Try # reefsquad