Cladocora? and an Algae ID needed

[Twin_II]

I have had what I think is Cladocora cf. arbuscula for 3 years and would like to have a more definite id. I am thinking of moving it into my larger aquarium with PC lighting (currently under NOs). It appears to stay open day and night and doesn't seem to mind water currents (fast or slow). It has grown slightly in the 3 years that I had it (came in on some live rock).

The other id I am requesting is of this alga. It is a bright/dark green (pic. was taken at night with a flash) and is hard/spiny to the touch (not feathery like Bryopsis). I have eradicated most of it from my tank (as it was almost covering everything) by keeping the light off for almost 6months. It still covers 1/2 of one piece. Water test came back good each week (Zero across the board, phosphate 0 as well – had me and my LFS baffled). It does provide a good home to amphipods.

Any help with finding out what these are would be great!

Thanks much!
Sarah

 

[Len]

Hey Sarah, the algae looks like some species of Chaetomorpha sp to me (common "brillo" turf algae). There's numerous species, but a lot of this spiny, hard texture. Great habitat for 'pods and is a great nutrient reduction mechanism.

The coral could very well be Cladocora sp. They're hardy and adapt to just about every condition. IIRC, they are more dependant on captured foods for nutrition then photosynthesis, so target feedings may help. It's polyp structure definitely looks to me like it's a predator.

 

[Twin_II]

Great Thanks! for the ID. Are there any types of livestock I should avoid (that might bother the Cladocora?)

 

[John_Brandt]

The lighting is poor in the shot with the algae. It appears to be finely-branched and growing like a tight meshwork over the rock. This is not typical of Chaetomorpha and may instead be Cladophoropsis.

Are the filaments branched?

 

[Anonymous]

those are commonly called solitary 'cup' corals, iirc