I'm wondering if that isn't dinoflagellates growing on top of some other algae?? It looks like I have the same algae as you now though (whatever it may be), it has started up in the last week or so. Not quite as thick, thats crazy
I did have the classic brown bubbly goo previously but since my last lights out, I have noticed that there is a thicker mat of brown algae forming on either side of the tank and the overflow. It hasn't progressed to the back glass yet. The bubbles are densely packed like your pictures show but don't have any stringy goo on them. I've done a few searches but am not having any success in identifying this algae. The fact that your astrea is eating it is a definite indicator that either it isn't dinoflagellates or is a less toxic type (if there is such a thing). Either that or you have a SUPERASTREA!!
Thanks for the pics. A friend of mine is an algologist, maybe she has some books or can point us in the right direction. I'll try taking a sample and having a look under the scope as well.
Christy
