Why is my coralline algae falling off the back glass?

I have noticed recently the coralline algae on the back glass is flaking off in small sheets. Everything seems to be doing fine otherwise. Wondering if this is normal or should I be looking into a potential problem? The back glass was 90% covered about 2 months ago, now its about 50% covered.

Thanks!

 

How are your big 3? (Alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium)

Have you added urchins or noticed a lot of asterinae?

 

I have not tested the big three in a little while (I know I should before I post something like this)
No urchins in the tank but I have noticed a lot more asterina stars lately. What would cause that?

 

Va Reef in on the right trail, always check the big 3 and rule that out 1st, second would be a change in lighting, new bulbs, extension of photo-period.

Are the starfish eating film algae or coralline?

 

No change in lighting or photo-period in a year. Not really sure what the starfish are eating. I notice a lot more in the morning before I go to work (lights off) and they seem to disappear throughout the day. I mostly notice them on the side and front glass.

 

And of course I forgot about lighting factor. My starfish started out eating film algae and just developed a taste for coralline algae. My back wall looks line a war zone, craters of no algae zones and such.

Usually Asterinae and urchins are the #1 culprits for eating coralline algae, though some snails do eat it.

 

FWIW, a lot of CuC members will munch on Coralline if their diet is lacking. However, it sounds more like yours is dying and falling off; the Asterina may be feeding on the dead/dying Coralline, causing a population explosion. I, too, suggest testing your chemistry; Coralline uses Cal, Mag, and Alk the same as stony corals.

 

yea test your levels sounds really weird

off subject but you have a coral beauty and a bi angle in there you are brave my friend lol

 

I have just a bi-color, no coral beauty

And I tested the big three today
cal 460
kh 8
mag 1300

Any more thoughts??

 

I'm thinking it's something eating it. Your levels look good to me.