Spray Bar

In the pics, which I assume is the Refugium(?), I see what looks like a ball of Cheato that is covered in hair algae. That ball of mixed algae is cleaning the water but it can also lead to trouble. In all my experience, hair algae grows for three main reasons; 1) not enough Snails and Hermits to eat it, 2) the spectrum of lighting is too yellow, 3) it took over when Macroalgae such as Caulerpa, was removed or died. I'm sure we can provide some more sensible recommendations about making improvements to that Refugium, like simply using a small powerhead placed in bottom center pointing up. The algae does not have to tumble to be effective and snails and hermits are useful in the Refugium too. Also, are those Halogen lights?

Okay lets also talk about the other issue, white hair algae in the Display Tank. Please forgive me but what is white hair algae? I don't know of any algae that is white, unless it is dead. Chlorophyll is not white. My google searches turned up threads about it in freshwater forums not saltwater forums. It was identified as a fungus. So what is this stuff in your reef aquarium and is it a bad thing or a good thing? 

Could it be a type of Sponge? If so, that's a good thing because it adds to overall biofiltration and stabilizes the tank. Sponge is a beneficial marine animal.  

Could it be the mold that grows on decaying organic matter from LR. If so, that's a good thing in the short run. Mold is, well, a mold/fungus, not animal nor vegetable, but still beneficial. 

Could it be dead hair algae or dead Bryopisis algae? If so, that's a good thing, but we ought to ask, "Why did it go white?"

If you wouldn't mind, please post some pics so we can ID this stringy white stuff for you and offer recommendations.

Aloha,

Mark  

P.S.

I'm told that my comments can sometimes come across as condescending. Please forgive me. I mean no disrespect. I'm just trying to use what I know to offer some help.