Cleaning liverock does it stay or go?

[Dolfan]

I'm not real clear what this growth is I have on several of my liverocks but I'm in the process of completely rebooting my tank and I've been scrubbing and rinsing the rocks. But I'm not sure if this plant like growth is a good thing?

 

[fishyfish91202]

Those appear to be apitasia, a pest!

 

[Dolfan]

I've had apitasia before and this is different for sure, these are more like a plant, they don't retract upon touch, more like a fern or the consistency of a rosemary herb plant. When I scrub them piece like a piece of an evergreen plant fall off but some are tougher than others.

It sure doesn't look like "beneficial" of "desirable" growth!

 

[Shawn O]

I've seen something like that on the undersides of my rocks, although it is mostly clear in color. I think mine is some sort of sponge. Try researching types of sponges as well.

 

[Dolfan]

That top piece in the picture is only about 3x4" so I might throw it in a bag with some water and run by the LFS as I need some things any way. Some type of sponge seems more likely.

 

[Dolfan]

LFS identified it as Macro algae, that seems to be right based on how it looks to me.