Sponges

inadaze · #1 07/05/2006, 03:42 PM

hi all,
I am just starting up my aquarium from bits of on older aquarium. I took the live rock and placed it in the newly cycling aquarium and found some strange things under the rocks. I have never seen sponges before but I assume that is what they are. Only on one rock. about 1 inch long. white/grey. slimy looking. blob-like.

Is that what it is? Could I get some info on them if so? Are they bad/good? If bad, how do I get rid of them? where do they come from?

Cheers,
Jason

jerehmy · #2 07/05/2006, 04:02 PM

they are harmless-

sponges do look kinds like boogers on the LR, In my tank I have green orange white all colors of sponges

Heres a link to the sponges site http://melevsreef.com/id/sponge.html

inadaze · #3 07/06/2006, 08:46 AM

Oh good. I don't know why I always had the impression they were bad for the aquarium. I wish mine were at least a bright color like in the photos. They look like mucus. lol

thanks
Jason

Sk8r · #4 07/06/2006, 08:58 AM

If you want your sponges to grow, including some that may at present be too small to see, feed phytoplankton. When I started feeding for my clam, a little yellowish sponge at the rear of my rockwork grew to the size of a small Irish potato.

They're filter-feeders and help eliminate floating micro-algae from your tank, stuff that makes your water yellow.

spoiledcats · #5 07/06/2006, 08:59 AM

After a while you will find all colors of sponges, unless you have something that eats them. I have pink, purple, yellow, white and grey sponges. Haven't seen a blue one yet, but I keep looking.

Sk8r · #6 07/06/2006, 09:00 AM

I have a strange blue one that grows in threads and looks like veining over my rocks. I think it's rather neat. I've had angels in a tank before this, and they destroy sponges. I think this is going to be a pleasant experience, running a tank without them. All sorts of colors and shapes.