Unidentified algae

Hi guys,

I'm pretty new to reef aquariums and my last aquarium was years ago, so I may be asking quite a bit of questions on this site.

Can anyone identify this algae for me growing on the rocks? I noticed at some of the tips of the algae there is a translucent star shaped object on it. I'm not too concerned about it because it seems pretty slow growing. I've noticed my snails won't touch it as well.

My tank readings are:
Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 10, 78.6 degrees Fahrenheit, I don't know the phosphate but I use a phosphate reducing prefilter, chemipure, the stock floss prefilter, and live rock for filtration instead of bioballs. Lights are one 18 watt 10000k and one 18 watt acitinic. Aquarium is an 8g Biocube.

Thanks for all the help and info I've gotten here so far.

 

That looks like a colonial hydroid with your description. It can take over the tank in time if you are not careful. The reason your CUC won't go near it is it packs a powerful punch with its tentacles.

 

Ahh, that explains it. Thank you for the warning and identify; I got some tweezing to do!

+1k

 

That is how I take care of mine. I have heard of people using Kalk paste on them too.