Invasive Sponge

ReeferRob · 03-22-2010, 10:08 PM

Recently my clam bed has been attacked by two types of sponges. I've heard that sponge growth is a sign of a healthy tank? But this is getting crazy. I was wondering if anyone else has any experiences they can share?

I have three clams up in the bed. They are absolutely thriving and open up beautifully every day. There is a smaller clam, a maxima that has recently become shaded by one of the two croceas. I went to move the clam the other day and noticed that it wasn't attached at it's foot, but all three were incased together in a thick white sponge. I didn't realize this because they open up so fully I hardly ever see the shell and when I do,..... it looks normal? Good....Bad??!

And right next to the clam bed in a slightly more shaded area under an over hang is a spot I keep about 5 or so Florida Ricordea. Slowly over about the last month or more, I've notice this area becoming overgrown with a similar sponge but more peachy or pink in color. There only appears to be one ric a smaller one that is effected by it. All other corals seem just fine.

So I don't know, I've never experienced this type of sponge growth. Should I let it go on? Or should I try to groom it and propogate it?

Sir Patrick · 03-22-2010, 10:49 PM

No expert here- but when in doubt w/ sponges, groom it (and propogate it if you wish) and get an ID in the meantime.

There are too many sponges out there that will over grow nice corals to let it go loose in the meantime.

ReeferRob · 03-23-2010, 08:59 AM

Bump for a new day!

Tom@HaslettMI · 03-23-2010, 03:17 PM

Rob,

I wouldn't worry about the sponge growth, as it shouldn't be causing any problems. However, if if bothers you then chop away!

Tom

Skyhigh · 03-23-2010, 03:22 PM

Wheres the pics????????????????

ReeferRob · 03-23-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom@HaslettMI

Rob,

I wouldn't worry about the sponge growth, as it shouldn't be causing any problems. However, if if bothers you then chop away!

Tom

Tom do you think I should be concerned with sponges traveling throughout the tank, if I choose to remove them. I want to try and avoid them growing everywhere.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

Wheres the pics????????????????

Wait, is this an actual post by Skyhigh!! LOL you know this isn't the chat right? LOL

Seriously though, I did try they just turned out kinda crappy not showing much of anything.

jimsflies · 03-23-2010, 03:48 PM

I hate those encrusting sponges. I have black ones and yellow ones and they tend to snuff things out. My advice is get it while you can unless you think it's the cooler than anything else that it is threatening to take over.

cephalotus · 03-23-2010, 06:17 PM

Get it out of there carefully encrusting sponges can take over fast and any little peice that breaks of can start a new colony fast.

thefishgirl · 03-23-2010, 07:33 PM

I've been having issues with a nasty looking black sponge type of thing encrusting three of my Acanthastrea echinatas recently. The one echinata has been completely choked out and killed. That being said, I think they were also reacting to a water temp issue which has since been corrected.

When I get a few minutes and I'm home, I'll try to get some pictures posted before I toss the whole rock out.

ReeferRob · 03-23-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefishgirl

I've been having issues with a nasty looking black sponge type of thing encrusting three of my Acanthastrea echinatas recently. The one echinata has been completely choked out and killed. That being said, I think they were also reacting to a water temp issue which has since been corrected.

When I get a few minutes and I'm home, I'll try to get some pictures posted before I toss the whole rock out.

Yes, please. It would be nice to ID that what ever it is too. It is a weird looking spongey thingy. LOL