Pink Encrusting algae, not coralline?

[Haus]

Maintaining the tank today and with the lights out I noticed a layering pink encrusting algae/coral in the center of a patch of PPEs. Never stood out before because it just looked like a patch of coralline but in the dark it’s color is flesh red and it looks like it’s layering (like a spongode). I had a starburst monti in the area but this doesn’t look like monti growth at all, and doesn’t look like coralline to me either. Pictures below are with lights out, and one with the lights turned on.

think it’s just coralline?

 

[Ronk1221]

Lobophora algae possibly. But I’m not an expert.

 

[Haus]

Thanks, that makes sense. Hadn’t heard of it before but what I’m seeing seems to fit. There don’t seem to be great treatment options, but I did add an emerald and a secoond tuxedo urchin. I ay have to try the hydrogen peroxide but its mixed with some corals that are fixed in pace, and very close to a birds nest that I‘d hate to damage.

 

[Ronk1221]

From what I’ve heard and read is a blonde naso tang will eat it. Not sure if you want to go that route.

 

[Haus]

my system is way too small for a blonde naso unfortunately.

 

[DangerDave]

Thanks, that makes sense. Hadn’t heard of it before but what I’m seeing seems to fit. There don’t seem to be great treatment options, but I did add an emerald and a secoond tuxedo urchin. I ay have to try the hydrogen peroxide but its mixed with some corals that are fixed in pace, and very close to a birds nest that I‘d hate to damage.

I spot dose h202 in tank for algae as needed in the frag tanks. if you’re going to do it, turn off the power heads. You can use regular 3%. I have 12% that I usually water down to 3-5%. Use a 1ml pipette to not use too much at a time. Get it in and on the algae. If it’s hair algae it’ll take a minute to really start bubbling. If it doesn’t react after a minute do more. It will turn white and die, hermits will clean up if it’s accessible. Turn the power heads back on after a bit.

I’ve never had it damage coral at low %. I did slightly bleach part of a red monti using 12% in a 10ml pipette once. The spot came back after a week or so. I went back to 1ml pipettes after that lol. I try not to use more than 50 ml at a time (375g). It can start to piss off the nems. I dunno if it hurts them, but it definitely annoys them.