Good Sponge Bad Sponge

[BTimms]

Hello All,

I have notice a few of these pink sponge type things popping up.

1) Are they sponges?
2) Are they good or bad?
3) Should they be removed?

Thanks to all you experts!

 

[elysics]

Certainly looks like a sponge.

As to whether they are harmful, depends on how fast they are spreading and how unwilling you are to trim them later/how much you don't like their look on that rock.

 

[JGT]

Hello All,

I have notice a few of these pink sponge type things popping up.

1) Are they sponges?
2) Are they good or bad?
3) Should they be removed?

Thanks to all you experts!

Sponge. I like them. Contribute to biodiversity. And filter feeders.

 

[BTimms]

Certainly looks like a sponge.

As to whether they are harmful, depends on how fast they are spreading and how unwilling you are to trim them later/how much you don't like their look on that rock.

The spread is not very fast. And they are not very large about 2cm at most. That said. It is a new rock piece from a friends tank, which held an anemone. Perhaps I should keep my eye on the growth rate further. What threats should I consider with regards to the rate of growth or species?

Sponge. I like them. Contribute to biodiversity. And filter feeders.

I was hoping Tom get this answer! As I feel the same. But not having had a sponge show up in the aquarium, I a man unsure of species and therefore concerned if it’s friend or foe.

 

[elysics]

The spread is not very fast. And they are not very large about 2cm at most. That said. It is a new rock piece from a friends tank, which held an anemone. Perhaps I should keep my eye on the growth rate further. What threats should I consider with regards to the rate of growth or species?

I was hoping Tom get this answer! As I feel the same. But not having had a sponge show up in the aquarium, I a man unsure of species and therefore concerned if it’s friend or foe.

If you describe it as "not very fast", then it's not an issue.
Maybe if it gets to ten times it's size in months or years or ever, you might rip it off to put something else on that place, otherwise keep it. It's beautiful.

 

[BTimms]

If you describe it as "not very fast", then it's not an issue.
Maybe if it gets to ten times it's size in months or years or ever, you might rip it off to put something else on that place, otherwise keep it. It's beautiful.

Wonderful, great advice!
Thank you!

 

[Subsea]

Sponges are excellent filter feeders and I have always encouraged them on live rock. With over 10,000 species identified, there are many different types of sponges. In the last few years, ornamental sponges have become available: yellow ball, orange elephant ear, red tree, orange tree

 

[vetteguy53081]

A type of pink ball sponge . They are natural suspension feeders, filtering food from the water. Phytoplankton foods bring out lot's of color. They are very helpful in filtering aquarium water. They can withstand a wide temperature variation and they last indefinitely in the marine aquarium. Like other Sponges, the Ball Sponge feeds on bacteria and detritus that it filters from the moving water. This is why water movement is crucial to their survival. Sponges can usually tolerate changes in water temperature with no ill effect, but they may be sensitive to drastic changes in salinity.

 

[BTimms]

Great information, thank you! I will leave them be.

 

[unchaotic]

Sponges are excellent filter feeders and I have always encouraged them on live rock. With over 10,000 species identified, there are many different types of sponges. In the last few years, ornamental sponges have become available: yellow ball, orange elephant ear, red tree, orange tree

Are these pics of your tank? I'm looking at having a 72 gallon bow display refugium with macro algae, sponges, and coral.

 

[litenyaup]

I’m not well versed in types of sponges but from my experience they are all great to have as filter feeders. Also I think only real issue would come down to growth and fight for space with other coral. I would say keep it till you have to remove or trim down.

 

[Subsea]

Are these pics of your tank? I'm looking at having a 72 gallon bow display refugium with macro algae, sponges, and coral.

Yes, pictures are of my 75G tank which is 25 years old.. I just did start cycling a 30G. macro & invertebrate tank.

 

[ssunthar]

Hello All,

I have notice a few of these pink sponge type things popping up.

1) Are they sponges?
2) Are they good or bad?
3) Should they be removed?

Thanks to all you experts!

Interesting looking and coloured sponge.

 

[Subsea]

The spread is not very fast. And they are not very large about 2cm at most. That said. It is a new rock piece from a friends tank, which held an anemone. Perhaps I should keep my eye on the growth rate further. What threats should I consider with regards to the rate of growth or species?

I was hoping Tom get this answer! As I feel the same. But not having had a sponge show up in the aquarium, I a man unsure of species and therefore concerned if it’s friend or foe.

<head> <title>Macroalgae For Marine Reef Aquariums: Purple Encrusting Sponge