Sponge on Live rock ?

[Gonj]

Picked up some live rock at lfs noticed this little guy on the rock. Can anyone help me identify what it is?

 

[fishguy242]

hi,kinda blurry,looks like a soft coral,does it open and close??

 

[Gonj]

hi,kinda blurry,looks like a soft coral,does it open and close??

Sorry this is a new tank so the water is still clearing up, I can try for another photo, if it was a coral what could it be wanna care for it properly.

 

[Gonj]

hi,kinda blurry,looks like a soft coral,does it open and close??

What do you mean by open and close? There’s no light on the tank right now so it doesn’t really change in appearance.

 

[fishguy242]

not a soft coral then,once water clears try to get a flashlight pic,lets see what this is..

 

[Gonj]

not a soft coral then,once water clears try to get a flashlight pic,lets see what this is..

Water has cleared but the glass is so reflective tried for more photos let me know if it’s any better haha

 

[Gonj]

I also threw in some live rock from an established tank to help cycle this new one and I noticed the rock is covered in something white and feathery that seems to go with the flow of the water any idea what this could be? The new rocks I purchased for the tank don’t have this and they didn’t have this when they were in my older tank.

 

[fishguy242]

can see better ,is it hard to the touch "acropora"??

 

[Suohhen]

In the 2nd picture I thought I was seeing a giant filter feeder in the background, it is a reflection of your hand...It definitely looks like an sps frag that is dead but it is hard to say for sure. The best test is to touch it like fishguy said.

 

[fishguy242]

I also threw in some live rock from an established tank to help cycle this new one and I noticed the rock is covered in something white and feathery that seems to go with the flow of the water any idea what this could be? The new rocks I purchased for the tank don’t have this and they didn’t have this when they were in my older tank.

poss dying algae @MERKEY any thoughts??

 

[Suohhen]

I also threw in some live rock from an established tank to help cycle this new one and I noticed the rock is covered in something white and feathery that seems to go with the flow of the water any idea what this could be? The new rocks I purchased for the tank don’t have this and they didn’t have this when they were in my older tank.

Definitely looks like dried out hair algae but it is strange if it wasn't there before.

 

[Gonj]

In the 2nd picture I thought I was seeing a giant filter feeder in the background, it is a reflection of your hand...It definitely looks like an sps frag that is dead but it is hard to say for sure. The best test is to touch it like fishguy said.

I touched it i wouldn’t say it’s soft but easily bent over when I poked it

 

[Gonj]

Definitely looks like dried out hair algae but it is strange if it wasn't there before.

Yea definitely wasn’t, could it be a result of bad water quality this is the first time I mixed my own water haven’t been able to run it to the store to get it tested

 

[Gonj]

poss dying algae @MERKEY any thoughts??

Rocks came from this tank no visible hair algae that’s why I’m unsure as too what the white is

 

[MERKEY]

poss dying algae @MERKEY any thoughts??

Yea definitely wasn’t, could it be a result of bad water quality this is the first time I mixed my own water haven’t been able to run it to the store to get it tested

There are all types of film and turf algea that may not "look" to be there until agitated by a water change.

It does look like it is some sort of dying sponge or algea.

I've circled the area in the newest picture in the original tank that I think may be what is shown in the new water more prominently.

Whatever it is...it was agitated and now shows everywhere perhaps?

 

[Suohhen]

I touched it i wouldn’t say it’s soft but easily bent over when I poked it

It could definitely be a sponge especially if that rock is fresh. Did it feel fleshy or firm? Coral usually feels a little slimy and like soft flesh while sponges can be firm or soft but are generally just springy.

Yea definitely wasn’t, could it be a result of bad water quality this is the first time I mixed my own water haven’t been able to run it to the store to get it tested

Sounds like the tank is new, The algae cycle or 'ugly phase' is common in a new tank and it doesn't look like a particularly lot of algae so it may only be noticeable now since it has dried out and become stringy. I wouldn't be too concerned.

 

[Gonj]

There are all types of film and turf algea that may not "look" to be there until agitated by a water change.

It does look like it is some sort of dying sponge or algea.

I've circled the area in the newest picture in the original tank that I think may be what is shown in the new water more prominently.

Whatever it is...it was agitated and now shows everywhere perhaps?

Hm I see, could this be harmful to the tank should I take any steps to correct this?

 

[Gonj]

It could definitely be a sponge especially if that rock is fresh. Did it feel fleshy or firm? Coral usually feels a little slimy and like soft flesh while sponges can be firm or soft but are generally just springy.


Sounds like the tank is new, The algae cycle or 'ugly phase' is common in a new tank and it doesn't look like a particularly lot of algae so it may only be noticeable now since it has dried out and become stringy. I wouldn't be too concerned.

Thanks and it wasn’t filmy kinda spiky and springy so from your description guess it is a sponge, should I pluck it or let it be ?

 

[MERKEY]

Hm I see, could this be harmful to the tank should I take any steps to correct this?

It should be fine left alone.

If you are really worried about it just scrub it off with a clean toothbrush and some peroxide. Bowl of fresh water and a toothbrush with a little drop of peroxide goes along way. Then rinse with the fresh rodi water.

But it will ad diversity to your tank so it is fine left alone.

 

[Gonj]

It should be fine left alone.

If you are really worried about it just scrub it off with a clean toothbrush and some peroxide. Bowl of fresh water and a toothbrush with a little drop of peroxide goes along way. Then rinse with the fresh rodi water.

But it will ad diversity to your tank so it is fine left alone.

Sounds good I’ll let it be, as for the film on the rocks what should I do?