Pineapple Sponge Explosion - good or bad?

WallysWorld · Jan 10, 2019

This started a month ago with a couple of visible pineapple sponges underneath a hammer torch. I now have hundreds of these all through my system, sump outer skimmer body and display. I didn't think that these were bad, but in these quantities? Any thoughts? Do I try to remove them or control the population? If so how?

143MPCo · Jan 10, 2019

Good!

Codym808 · Jan 10, 2019

Don't take my word for it but I'm pretty sure pineapple sponge numbers are related to how much phosphate is in your system. They haven't caused me any issues in my tank and will slowly diminish as phosphates start to drop.

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 10, 2019

Normal in a newer tank.
In an older tank it may be silicates.
Cool in my book.

WallysWorld · Jan 10, 2019

Codym808 said:
Don't take my word for it but I'm pretty sure pineapple sponge numbers are related to how much phosphate is in your system. They haven't caused me any issues in my tank and will slowly diminish as phosphates start to drop.

Thanks. My phosphates have been increasing, currently at 0.12ppm (Hanna ULR Phosphorous checker), while my nitrates are always below measurable levels (Red Sea Nitrate Pro).