Coralline Algae?

[derek12261984]

Can anybody tell me what this is growing on my back glass? I know I have algae back there, but is this the start of Coraline algae? They look white and are hard/stony to the touch.

 

[Brit’s Fish]

Are they the little white spots? If so, and especially if this is a newer tank, they’re most likely spiorbid worms. Harmless filter feeders.

 

[derek12261984]

Are they the little white spots? If so, and especially if this is a newer tank, they’re most likely spiorbid worms. Harmless filter feeders.

They are like a little white spots. They’re hard to touch. My tank is probably around five months maybe a little less.

 

[Brit’s Fish]

They are like a little white spots. They’re hard to touch. My tank is probably around five months maybe a little less.

Then they’re almost definitely spiorbid worms. They tend to explode in the beginning and are some of the first signs of a maturing tank. You can scrape them off of anything you don’t want them on but I tend to just let them do their thing.

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

Aw man! I just started getting these as well and was so excited it might be corraline! Is it a sign that I need to reduce feeding or lighting time, or if everything else seems fine in the tank, just keep on trucking?

 

[Brit’s Fish]

Aw man! I just started getting these as well and was so excited it might be corraline! Is it a sign that I need to reduce feeding or lighting time, or if everything else seems fine in the tank, just keep on trucking?

Nothing you can really do to control them as far as I know, but I’m not an expert on them… I’ve just had about 10 tanks and I just get happy to see them as I take it as a sign all is well. They just proliferate in newer tanks, IME. They’re only filter feeders and will live in the sump or back of an AIO in total darkness if allowed. If you don’t like them, they’re super easy to scrape off. I don’t let them grow on any viewing panels but they’re free to stay anywhere else in my tanks.

 

[adamg77]

I love these little guys. I’m happy they clean my water for me

 

[derek12261984]

Nothing you can really do to control them as far as I know, but I’m not an expert on them… I’ve just had about 10 tanks and I just get happy to see them as I take it as a sign all is well. They just proliferate in newer tanks, IME. They’re only filter feeders and will live in the sump or back of an AIO in total darkness if allowed. If you don’t like them, they’re super easy to scrape off. I don’t let them grow on any viewing panels but they’re free to stay anywhere else in my tanks.

Right on! Love hearing good news about increasing biodiversity in my tank! I’ll definitely leave them be and let them do their thing.

 

[derek12261984]

I love these little guys. I’m happy they clean my water for me

That is so cool! I’m going to welcome them!

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

I like the way they create a little starry sky on the back wall of my tank!

 

[Lavey29]

Coralline will typically show up on plastic parts like powerheads long before rocks or glass.

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

Coralline will typically show up on plastic parts like powerheads long before rocks or glass.

Why is that? Is it because there’s less other stuff competing there?

 

[Lavey29]

Why is that? Is it because there’s less other stuff competing there?

That's what I think too. The rocks have various algae and bacteria competing for dominance. However things like powerheads people typically keep clean. Not me though. Have never cleaned mine inside or out but majority of reefers do. When they see those little purple spots starting on those clean plastic covers, they get all excited because they know coralline is starting and they let it progress. Abundant coralline is a good indicator of positive tank health too.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have an explosion of those spiorbid worms in my tank. I just let them do their thing since they aren't bothering anyone.