Mysterious Growth on Return Pump - HELP

SR_11/2022

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Hi all,

I am new to the Reefing Hobby and just stared my first set-up in November of 2022 with an old tank I used for freshwater (cleaned thoroughly). I do weekly water changes of around 15-25% but have never cleaned the chamber that houses my pump (including the pump) since staring the tank. I will list my water parameters bellow - I did however have to leave for two and a half weeks and all that was done to the tank is feed/empty skimmer. I did a 45% water change yesterday and the parameters are from right before.

Attached are photos of my issue... in person it looked way creepier. I took apart and cleaned the pump (as well as everything else) last night and could only find whatever that was in that one area. I have a plethora of issues but this one was the most concerning.

Just looking for an ID and how to prevent this, hopefully starting up a new tank "true" reef tank end of this summer.

IMG_0965.jpg

IMG_0964.jpg


Salinity: 1.025
Temperature: 78ºF
Alkilinity (KH): 4.1 = 8.9dKH (usually around 10)
Amonia: 0.15 - salifert : 0 - API (usually 0)
Nitrate: 0.2ppm
Phosphate: 13 = 0.040ppm
Calcium: 0.18 = 410ppm
Magnesium: 0.12 = 1320ppm

Tank Spec. : 32.5 Fluval Flex (upgraded everything possible)
Pre-trip tank photo - I didn't get one yesterday before the clean
IMG_0478.jpg


Thanks for your time,

Spenser
 
It’s just a sponge. Nothing to worry about and actually a good sign for your tank.
 
It’s just a sponge. Nothing to worry about and actually a good sign for your tank.
Awesome, thank you for the reply. That is great to hear!

If this pops back up is it best to let it be or remove?

Spenser
 
I’d only worry about it if it blocks the flow of the pump
 
Reminds me of Stranger Things...keep an eye on it :grinning-face-with-smiling-eyes:
(But yeah that kind of looks like my return pump after not checking it/cleaning it for a bit lol)
 

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