Gorgonian slime/algae?

[Orion]

 

This brown slime/algae(?) has been showing up on this gorgonian the past couple of months or so. It's not showing up anywhere else in the tank except on this guy. I manually remove it every few days, but it keeps coming back.

The gorgonian is in medium to high flow.

 

[Coral Hind]

It looks like brown slime or dinoflagellates. Do the polyps ever come out there? It could also be the coral sliming up to remove algae that has grown on it, kind of like cleaning itself off every few days. Can you move the coral to a less sunny spot and see if it slows or stops?

[Orion]

It looks like brown slime or dinoflagellates. Do the polyps ever come out there? It could also be the coral sliming up to remove algae that has grown on it, kind of like cleaning itself off every few days. Can you move the coral to a less sunny spot and see if it slows or stops?

That's a good idea about a less sunny spot. I'll clean it again, and try that. The polyps do come out after I give it a cleaning, but once that area is covered they don't come out.

[ArtFully Acrylic (Adam B)]

That is a Yellow Finger Gorgonian, which is a NON-Photosynthetic Gorgonian (I'm sure you knew this, but for all other's benefit).  So, similarly to Sun Corals and other Non-Photo's it doesn't feed off light and should generally be spot fed at least periodically.  The moderate flow is good as this is one means of it getting food.  As long as the polyps are still coming out you are likely good.

 

However, with the slime and algae, you have noticed the polyps don't come out.  This is bad.  No extension, no eat.  We carry these guys in store here as well and always recommend that they go in a low light/shaded area.  Preferably under a ledge or in a bit of a cave.  This type of area with good flow and they will love it.  Some can be successful with them being exposed to some light, but as you are finding, they will consistently grow algae and slime like that.  So it must be consistently cleaned off.

 

Best place though, low light with moderate to moderate high flow.

[monkiboy]

That is a Yellow Finger Gorgonian, which is a NON-Photosynthetic Gorgonian (I'm sure you knew this, but for all other's benefit).  So, similarly to Sun Corals and other Non-Photo's it doesn't feed off light and should generally be spot fed at least periodically.  The moderate flow is good as this is one means of it getting food.  As long as the polyps are still coming out you are likely good.

 

However, with the slime and algae, you have noticed the polyps don't come out.  This is bad.  No extension, no eat.  We carry these guys in store here as well and always recommend that they go in a low light/shaded area.  Preferably under a ledge or in a bit of a cave.  This type of area with good flow and they will love it.  Some can be successful with them being exposed to some light, but as you are finding, they will consistently grow algae and slime like that.  So it must be consistently cleaned off.

 

Best place though, low light with moderate to moderate high flow.

yep +1. generally with all NPS like this, you will encounter they are algae magnets and they either tolerate/enjoy high flow to keep the algae from growing on them or you keep them away from light like suggested above.

[Orion]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I have a shady spot for it. Didn't realize NPS gorgonians didn't like too much light. I also spot feed it a couple of times a week, and it seems to be growing.

[monkiboy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I have a shady spot for it. Didn't realize NPS gorgonians didn't like too much light. I also spot feed it a couple of times a week, and it seems to be growing.

it's not that they don't like light but that light enables algae growth on it very easily so best for it to be kept in lower light areas because the specimen doesn't require it and it keep algae at bay. that's awesome you are having success with it, though and have been diligent about feedings without having to deal with nutrient issues in the rest of the tank - keep up the good work, sir.