New growth surrounded by saltwater cistern... What is it?
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/k...
I have been trying to ID this thing contained by my tank for over 2 weeks now... Does anyone have any notion what it is?
It kinda looks and feels like a mushroom, some think its an algae. I'm trying to find out whether its good or bad. It looks pretty neat. In the picture the bunch of anything it is, is about an inch wide and half an inch long. Any information is appreciated!
The cistern has been set up for a little over two years, whether that helps any!
fishy poo
Does it expand and contract? If no, then I am guessing it is some type of algae and nothing type of coral.
There are so many different species of algae it can some times be next to impossible to get an exact ID.
I would propose watching its growth pattern and as long as it isn't growing too quickly or spreading rapidly I wouldn't verbs too much about it. If you find it is growing rapidly and starting to take over and/or out compete corals for space, later I would consider manual removal of it.
Answers: It is a fan algae or what is also known as a Mermaid's Fan. Cool and it simply grew? Even better.
Here is a site that explains the different types:
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/algaeco...
In my personal belief (it looks soft) its a red mushroom, Its not a bad thing if explicitly what it really is, The beauty of Live Rock...
if it feels slimy and soft similar to a mushroom i would guess that's what it is.. as that was one of my two guesses, it's either a *free* mushroom or the starting point for some red fan algea, any way a good score
velvet on rocks? I'm in recent times guessing. Sorry I can't be of any help there. I would take that pic down to your lfs and ask them what it is
Good Luck
it definitely looks like red mushroom
here is a closeup picture of one
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_...
