ID help?

[ExoticsKat]

We have a bunch of something growing in our large reef tank at work. It doesn’t resemble anything we have, and neither of us who deal with the tank know what it is. It’s all tubular White in color, and its growing under some rocks, some like this big one out in the open. Thoughts?

 

[mta_morrow]

We have a bunch of something growing in our large reef tank at work. It doesn’t resemble anything we have, and neither of us who deal with the tank know what it is. It’s all tubular White in color, and its growing under some rocks, some like this big one out in the open. Thoughts?

I’m thinking some type of sponge but I am not sure.

Let me get some more experienced folks to help you identify this.

#reefsquad

 

[mta_morrow]

Oh! And welcome to R2R!

I just noticed that was your first post.

Do you take care of this tank where you work?

 

[AcroNem]

Sponge indeed. Not sure on Genus, but it's a sponge, they're harmless and they'll grow based on the amount of particulates and dissolved organics/ nutrients in your system.

 

[ndrwater]

Was thinking the same thing. Seeing it grow in less shaded areas is more common, but apparently you got lucky. Generally, sponge is a sign of a healthy ecosystem

 

[ndrwater]

And WELCOME!! @ExoticsKat

 

[cloak]

Carteriospongia vermifera? I'm not sure if this is correct or not, but I have seen something very similar in one of my books and this is what it was called.

 

[ExoticsKat]

Interesting! Thank you! I help, but have a lot of other responsibilities that would make it very hard to do the bulk of the maintenance in terms of time, so one of our receptionists who has a fair bit of aquaria experience as well does most of it. Unfortunately for both of us, the bulk of our knowledge is fresh water in origin, so we are learning a ton as we go with this tank. It has been set up now for about 18 months.

 

[ExoticsKat]

Aaaand we also have these what we don’t know what they are.. the little button looking dudes.

 

[ExoticsKat]

 

[mta_morrow]

Aaaand we also have these what we don’t know what they are.. the little button looking dudes.

Pineapple sponges gets my vote...……….a good thing.

 

[KJ]

Ball sponge.

 

[mta_morrow]

Ball sponge.

Is there an easy explanation to explain the differences between a ball and pineapple so I know going forward?

Thanks @KJ

 

[KJ]

Thanks @KJ

 

[AcroNem]

Is there an easy explanation to explain the differences between a ball and pineapple so I know going forward?

Thanks @KJ

One is just a ball/blob, and the other will be more conical or a ball with a little tuft out the top.

 

[mta_morrow]

One is just a ball/blob, and the other will be more conical or a ball with a little tuft out the top.

Thanks! Just googled the images and it’s pretty clear!

 

[vetteguy53081]

That would be a Syconoid sponge

 

[KJ]

That would be a Syconoid sponge

Ball sponge not Pineapple sponge.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ball sponge.

Yes Ball. Thought the referenced was the branch looking type.

 

[KJ]

We have a bunch of something growing in our large reef tank at work. It doesn’t resemble anything we have, and neither of us who deal with the tank know what it is. It’s all tubular White in color, and its growing under some rocks, some like this big one out in the open. Thoughts?

We have a bunch of something growing in our large reef tank at work. It doesn’t resemble anything we have, and neither of us who deal with the tank know what it is. It’s all tubular White in color, and its growing under some rocks, some like this big one out in the open. Thoughts?

Carteriospongia. Sponge.