What are these?

[Mikenhecker1]

I found them growing on the LR in the back where nothing could get to it. When I moved the rock to redecorate there they were. Can anyone help?

 

[mr_X]

That appears to be a very invasive type of caulerpa. It's a macro algae. If I'm seeing correctly, I would get that rock out of my tank ASAP.

 

[Mikenhecker1]

d:-( awe that sux. Well thanks. They started as big hollow tubes and now there are sharp pointy ones. And they only grow in the dark. What if I take the rock out and let it dry for a while. Will that kill it? Just curious.

 

[Mikenhecker1]

Oh and it looks like they are made up of little white filaments.

 

[mr_X]

No, then that's not algae. Are they soft to the touch? Or by sharp, do you mean they are rigid?

 

[Mikenhecker1]

They are soft and tough like a cocoon. It's extremely difficult to remove.

 

[Mikenhecker1]

I'm going to take it out and get a better pic.

 

[Mikenhecker1]

I think I'm looking at two different kinds of animals here. One is a long hollow tube that is smooth and thin and the other is a short fat tube made of filaments. I think they might be squirts or something. What do you think?

 

[Mikenhecker1]

There's a pretty good little colony of the tubes

 

[mr_X]

The short fat Q-tip looking things are referred to as Q-tip or pineapple sponge. I don't know what the tubes are. Interesting though. I would want to see them grow larger.

 

[Mikenhecker1]

Thanks for the info. The pineapple sponges are filter feeders that eat leftovers and I read where if I have a bunch of them then I am feeding too much/often. Which I may be guilty I'd lol d. Might just keep it up or fry them in the light. Thanks again.

 

[mr_X]

I disagree. I think Q-tip sponges, or any sponge in general that's thriving, is the sign of a healthy tank. Those tubes you see are filtering water for nutrients. How can they be bad?

 

[Mikenhecker1]

I just thought that a lot of nutrients were a sign of over feeding and that these guys were helping to balance the equation. So if I wanted them gone I would have to not feed so much and move the rock into the light. My Trates have been a little high lately come to think about it.

 

[mr_X]

Slow down on feeding, and leave them where they are.

 

[Mikenhecker1]

Ok sounds good. Yeah there are a bunch of little tube worms on that rock as well and they all kinda blend. I like it d