What is it?

[FlemFlam86]

Sorry if it's been asked before, I searched for over an hour.

I found this in my sump when cleaning. It is red to translucent, feels slimy, and resembles a macro algae.

I've been battling low nitrates and high phosphates. Everything else is within recommended range.

 

[Tahoe61]

Red Garcilaria perhaps. Check out the AlgaeBarn and see if you see a match.

 

[FlemFlam86]

Thanks for the reply Tahoe61. I thought that at first, but it doesn't feel solid. It looks leafy, but it feels like it will melt in your hands, like jello. I haven't found anything like it anywhere online. It's a mystery.

 

[kevgib67]

Thanks for the reply Tahoe61. I thought that at first, but it doesn't feel solid. It looks leafy, but it feels like it will melt in pyour hands, like jello. I haven't found anything like it anywhere online. It's a mystery.

It certainly looks like a macro algae but your description of how it feels sounds more like a sponge, strange. @ISpeakForTheSeas , any thoughts?

 

[Reefing102]

I’m far from an expert but reminds me of dragons breath or dragons tongue (I always get the two confused). If found in a low light area that could explain the translucence as it could have been or be dying.

 

[FlemFlam86]

I didn't keep it. I would rather err on the side of caution. Thanks for all the replies, though