Id please

Brandon42 · Jul 17, 2016

so Iv got this strange stuff growing in my sump, I believe it to be a sponge of some sort but can't find a good guide on them. I also think I have some pineapple sponges going on in there but was under the impression those were great for it.

Tahoe61 · Jul 17, 2016

That is also sponge.

Brandon42 · Jul 17, 2016

not bad i take it?

Salty1962 · Jul 17, 2016

No, good filter feeders. Sign of a balanced system.

NanaReefer · Jul 17, 2016

Salty1962 said:
No, good filter feeders. Sign of a balanced system.

How is this a sign of a balanced system?

Salty1962 · Jul 18, 2016

NanaReefer said:
How is this a sign of a balanced system?

Sponge and tunicates require good water quality to proliferate and grow. Their are enough of the right nutrients in your system to help them grow. All of these things point to a balanced system.

Untamedrose · Jul 18, 2016

Agree with above...sponge...though not a real pretty one. It's a good thing. Your tanks working it :)

Lionfish Lair · Jul 18, 2016

If their numbers climb you might might want to pluck them off and step up the maintenance. Sponges may love a well balanced tank, but they also love "dirty" tanks and can become a nuisance if not kept in check.

NanaReefer · Jul 18, 2016

It's always been my understanding that certain sponges like those shown here thrive in water rich in DOC and silicates. Meaning there is plenty of food in the water column. IMO not signs of a well balanced system but that of a new system or a system lacking in husbandry or proper filtration.

Brandon42 · Jul 18, 2016

What is the name of the wierd looking one? I'm pretty confused on what to do with them now lol. My tank is pretty new, just about 6 months old now. I would say these sponges have been there for about a month. My water parameters are generally stable at this point. And I only find any of the sponge in my sump and looks like they are starting in my overflow chamber a bit. I use ro/DI water, run gfo and carbon, skimmer, chateo refuge, and a uv sterilzer.

Tahoe61 · Jul 18, 2016

NanaReefer said:
It's always been my understanding that certain sponges like those shown here thrive in water rich in DOC and silicates. Meaning there is plenty of food in the water column. IMO not signs of a well balanced system but that of a new system or a system lacking in husbandry or proper filtration.

Well balanced is a arbitrary statement.

Well balanced specifically for what type of system, by what standards and standards set up who?

A lot of sponges tend to grow in higher flow cryptic places, perfect areas for filter feeding available nutrients, without further information other then an image one can not claim that a system is lacking in husbandry or proper filtration.

Concluding the husbandry status or other system variables off one image in the absence of further information carries as much weight as a member suggesting the balance of the given system.

Tahoe61 · Jul 18, 2016

Brandon42 said:
What is the name of the wierd looking one? I'm pretty confused on what to do with them now lol. My tank is pretty new, just about 6 months old now. I would say these sponges have been there for about a month. My water parameters are generally stable at this point. And I only find any of the sponge in my sump and looks like they are starting in my overflow chamber a bit. I use ro/DI water, run gfo and carbon, skimmer, chateo refuge, and a uv sterilzer.

I would not give the sponge a second thought.

It's a very cool growth form.

A sponge in your sump does not indicated a problem with your system. Sponges commonly grow in sumps.

If your tank is other wise healthy and evolving well then do not over think it, it's just a cool sponge. :rolleyes: