Open brain has algae

[homer1475]

So as the title say....

I've noticed recently that my green open brain is developing algae on its outer skeleton and will not inflate as large as it use to. I have read that algae is what usually does them in, but is there anything I can do to prevent it?

Its not bad yet, but it is spreading across it, and I haven't seen any feeder tentacles out in a long time.

 

[Tweaked]

The two issues may both be signs of higher than normal nutrients. Specifically PO4. Without feeder tentacles out regularly, the animal could slowly starve. Need more info and a pic would help as well.

 

[homer1475]

Don't think its a nutrient issue as my PO4 is .02. Its really the only place I have algae growing.

Pic as requested.


The sand sifting sea star bothers everything on my sandbed. I wonder if the star moving it around all the time has something to do with it?

Although I haven't seen any feeder tentacles, if I drop some mysis or pellets on it, it will eat them.

 

[homer1475]

Figured I would post my params too.

Salinity = 1.025
Ammonia = 0
Nitrites = 0
Nitrates = 5ppm
CA = 450
ALK = 9
MAG = 1400
Phosphates = .02

Anything else just ask. I really don't want to loose this coral as I find it one of my coolest corals, and close to one of the first I bought.

 

[Tweaked]

Wow it's bleached. Caused by starving stress or too much light. Hard recovery if its not eating.

 

[homer1475]

Its not bleached, its just how my phones camera makes it looks. It's never been a dark green, it's always been a real light green, even when it was healthier. It has color all the way out to the edge, except where you can see the algae.

It really does look a lot healthier then that photo makes it look. It's just the algae on the outside skeleton that worries me.

 

[Tweaked]

Ok then, and that is where it's tissue has recessed allowing the skeleton to pierce the outer lobes. I would move to a dark no flow area and feed if it ever shows feeders. GL

 

[homer1475]

Thanks.

It all started when I had to remove my rock to get the fish out. I believe I may have injured it(piercing its flesh with the outer skeleton) when moving it, and that's where the algae first started. It's been getting progressively worse. I Thought perhaps moving it to more flow would blow it off, but I will definitely move it to a lower flow area.