White cobweb growing over live rock...

[newfound77951]

I will try and get pictures tonight, as well as test for water parameters.

I have had my LR for almost a week. Starting to see some die-off (sponges mostly) but in the last 3 days there is now a white cobweb-like thing spreading across two of the rocks. On one it;s in the center, started near a patch of macroalgae. On the other rock it runs along the bottom where the rock hits the sand. It is pretty solid, ie there aren't a lot of holes through it. It almost looks like a fungus of some sort and is spreading FAST. Is this normal with new LR? Can I do something to minimize it? I don't want it to kill all my other stuff if possible.

[roka64]

Hate to tell you this, but pics will probably be needed for the ID.

It almost looks like a fungus of some sort

It sounds like it could be a sponge. I had one. It grew quick, looked like white mold. My urchins ate it.

Is this normal with new LR?

I'm not sure if there is a "normal" with new LR. You just kind of have to set back and admire. Since you are in cycle, I wouldn't worry about too much, especially since you don't have any critters in there and there is no risk of death, other than normal die-off, which could possibly grow back in the near future.[/quote]

[canyon15]

It could be a type of feather duster that lets off some mucus. Check at the top of this forum under Sticky: Hitchhiker FAQ for the Reef Aquarist. then look under live rock hitchhikers (i think page 3) and it is in there. HTH

[newfound77951]

especially since you don't have any critters in there

Ah, but I do. I got a small goby in my LR.

Actually, I did a water change last night (bc of the goby) and sucked most of it off with the siphon. it was very soft. Normally I'd just let everything be but I don't want to kill the little goby during the cycle!