Can you help ID this.....

[dnvrbrown]

I have a 75 gallon tank that has been up since December. I have noticed for the last couple of weeks some pink/reddish stuff on my sand and on my rocks. I thought what was on my rocks could be what I think is called coraline (could be wrong) but since its now growing on my sand, I'm clueless. Can you help? I think its algea, and if it is, what can I do to rid of it?

 

[joe____17]

Looks more like coraline to me.

 

[dnvrbrown]

It seems kind of crunchy when I pick it up. Its not slimy, so like you, I thought it may be coralline. Is that a good thing?

 

[joe____17]

Is coraline a good thing? Yes it is a very good thing,.

 

[culp]

i was going to say a firefish goby but than noticed than thats not what your asking about. i also think its coralline

 

[naclh2o nut]

I agree, just never seen it on sand.

 

[nanomantis]

To me it looks like its dying and flaking off of the rocks, not growing on it. Notice how it isn't flush with the sand.

 

[dnvrbrown]

it actually started on the sand before it made its way to the rock. I don't know how fast coraline grows, but its covering my rocks pretty quickly now. i've noticed a large increase in just the past few days. I hope its nothing bad

 

[dnvrbrown]

I noticed something new about this stuff and would like your opinions to continue. I moved the powerhead and it blows off of the rock very easily. Its very grainy like sand when I touch it and it rubs right off. Any thoughts? Its really growing.

 

[rslinger]

That would be the much hate cyno(Red Slime).

 

[dnvrbrown]

Well just thought I would give an update. The red slime is now gone. I was at the LFS and was asking questions about a chocolate star fish and she said that they would eat the red slime. Well, I bought 2 and what do you know, its gone in less than 2 days. They seem to be doing rather well too. I also bought 4 turbo snails and they have had a feast as well. Just want to say thanks to everyone that responded.

 

[culp]

i hope you are feeding them because other wise they will most likely starve to death.

 

[dnvrbrown]

Should I feed them anything special? Feed them a special way? I read online that flakes were fine for them. Any suggestions?

 

[joe____17]

They need more than flakes.They might like algae sheets or some other detrius you have in the tank.

 

[meowzer]

Chocolate chip stars really need a more mature tank...you should really bring them back, and maybe look stuff up before you listen to your lfs again....