White Encrustment around Teal Hammer

[kaihanu]

I recently noticed some stark white, porous material starting to surround my teal hammer. It’s rather squishy, but crackles a bit if you press too hard on it. This is the only coral in my tank that has this growth. The skeleton that I can still see still has normal color. Right around the time I noticed the growth getting bad I first saw small bristleworms on my glass, I don’t know if that could be a cause? The coral has been in my tank for about 1.5 years. The mass has been growing for less than a month, but no one at any of the local stores can tell me what it is. What is this growth and what, if anything, do I need to do about it? Thanks in advance!

 

[DSC reef]

Hard to tell but it looks like a lot of sponge that needs to be removed. I would use a soft toothbrush and be mindful of the soft tissue of the hammer.

 

[kaihanu]

Hard to tell but it looks like a lot of sponge that needs to be removed. I would use a soft toothbrush and be mindful of the soft tissue of the hammer.

Thank you! That’s what I thought it might be. Is there anything I can/should do to prevent it in my other corals other than removing it?

 

[DSC reef]

Nothing you can do and I honestly like sponge but if it becomes invasive it's easy to keep in check.

 

[kaihanu]

Nothing you can do and I honestly like sponge but if it becomes invasive it's easy to keep in check.

Great! Thank you so much!

 

[DSC reef]

Great! Thank you so much!

Your welcome