NPS coral ID?

[johnf3]

I just purchased this Balanophyllia solitary cup coral the other day and noticed it came along with this purple growth next to it. Just curious if anyone knows what it is? Definitely assuming it’s NPS

Thanks

 

[johnf3]

Another photo

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Looks like a sponge that's struggling - possibly a Dysidea species like the Heavenly Sponge, Dysidea etheria, but I can't tell for sure from the pics.

For sponge care:

Food/feeding:
-Isochrysis galbana (T-Iso) or a blend of phyto containing it is a good idea.
-Bacteria, Cyanobacteria, Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM), Particulate Organic Matter (POM), possibly Diatoms, etc. are good food for sponges, so things like stirring the sandbed and basting waste off of the rocks in the tank with the sponge may be helpful (I know this may not be possible depending on the tank, but finding ways to get bacteria into the water for the sponge to filter is a good idea).

Your sponges probably won't feed on Reef Roids, as the food in Reef Roids is too big (I've seen it stated at 150-200 microns, most of the food consumed by sponges is DOM, which is smaller than 1 micron; even the larger foods like the T-Iso are only like 6 microns at the largest).

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