What is this red encrusting algae?

[Necrodaemus]

This stuff has started popping up like crazy…on the rocks, back glass, overflow, powerheads, etc.
No, the answer is not cyano…it doesn’t blow off. It’s smooth and slippery, but definitely encrusted.
Any ideas on what it is and if it’s anything to be concerned about?

 

[JoJosReef]

No, but following!

 

[ChiCity]

coralline
(yes, it comes in reds… purples, pinks, yellows)

 

[BristleWormHater]

Could be red coraline, it usually costs around $20 for some.

 

[sfin52]

Coraline can come in green to

 

[Necrodaemus]

I don’t think it’s coralline. Doesn’t seem to be calciferous and has a much different texture/feel. It’s slippery, rubbery feeling.

 

[THE_MAD_REEFER]

I have had it for almost ten years. I gave up and it doesn't seem to hurt anything other than it slows down the spread of zoa's and encrusting coral.

 

[Necrodaemus]

I have had it for almost ten years. I gave up and it doesn't seem to hurt anything other than it slows down the spread of zoa's and encrusting coral.

It’s definitely an interesting algae. I’m not convinced it’s a coralline because whenever I soak my powerheads in citric acid, it comes off in rubber-like pieces.

 

[exnisstech]

I have it as well in one tank. I just assumed it was a type of coraline but am not positive. SPS are able to grow over it.

 

[BristleWormHater]

@ISpeakForTheSeas any ideas?

 

[Tamberav]

Sounds like a sponge, some can be pretty rubbery/slippery in texture

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

@ISpeakForTheSeas any ideas?

With the description of rubbery, my first thought would be a sponge too - OP, any chance you have a microscope around you could use to look at a sample of this stuff close up?

 

[BristleWormHater]

With the description of rubbery, my first thought would be a sponge too - OP, any chance you have a microscope around you could use to look at a sample of this stuff close up?

Oh yeah, hadn't thought of that.

 

[splunty]

It looks like what some coral stores are selling as "red knob sponge".

 

[THE_MAD_REEFER]

I just bought a pincushion urchin and he is laying waste to it lol, rocks are like new when he moves

 

[exnisstech]

Sounds like a sponge, some can be pretty rubbery/slippery in texture

With the description of rubbery, my first thought would be a sponge too - OP, any chance you have a microscope around you could use to look at a sample of this stuff close up?

Oh yeah, hadn't thought of that.

Rubbery and slippery describe it perfectly. Give me a few days and I'll try for some pics if needed? I bought a cheap scope a while back but need to learn how to use it.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Rubbery and slippery describe it perfectly. Give me a few days and I'll try for some pics if needed? I bought a cheap scope a while back but need to learn how to use it.

Sponges are typically easy to identify as such due to the spicules (at least partially visible with microscope pics even through the spongin), so microscope pics would be a good idea.