hairtrigger
Active Member
what about red/ orange ball sponges. I really like the coloring of sponges, but am scared that they don't thrive in reefs. What have yall heard?
I've heard Red/ Orange tree sponges rarely survive, but......
- Thread starter hairtrigger
- Start date
striker
Member
I have a yellow sponge that has survived for over six months in my tank. I was very careful with the transfer, making sure not to expose it to air. The only problems with it has been keeping the algae under control. It has grown into a small cave in my lr under the shade. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with it but my tank is heavily fed and high in nutrients(with good flow).
hairtrigger
Active Member
Really? Good to know. Ive heard about the air thing. That could explain why so many dont survive. People may have exposed them in shipping, and the reefers get a bunk sponge. I might risk another one then.
phoenixrising
Member
I have a red tree sponge that is at least 3 feet tall now. Growing right out of the top of the tank!
Okay, I'm kidding! But I do have one that has been hanging around in my reef tank for about a year or so. It has survived several tank changes (once to upgrade to the 90 and twice because of a flood). It has never been exposed to air, however. Also have a "breadcrumb sponge" which is the size of a softball or so, and multiple ball sponges that came as hitch hikers on live rock. They were exposed to air for extended times when shipped to me and they continue to thrive in spite of that. Some are in the shade and others are right out in full light. The tank is nutrient rich though, as Skriker mentioned, so maybe that has something to do with keeping them successfully??
Okay, I'm kidding! But I do have one that has been hanging around in my reef tank for about a year or so. It has survived several tank changes (once to upgrade to the 90 and twice because of a flood). It has never been exposed to air, however. Also have a "breadcrumb sponge" which is the size of a softball or so, and multiple ball sponges that came as hitch hikers on live rock. They were exposed to air for extended times when shipped to me and they continue to thrive in spite of that. Some are in the shade and others are right out in full light. The tank is nutrient rich though, as Skriker mentioned, so maybe that has something to do with keeping them successfully??
hairtrigger
Active Member
Wow, really? I didnt know they were that hardy. I know living after the air exposure is abnormal, but a year? Nice. I am going to pick one up I think. That sounds cool, I am reassured to hear that. Thanks yall.
phoenixrising
Member
The ones I bought have never been exposed to air. The ones that came as hitchhikers traveled from Florida to Ohio partially exposed to air and then fully exposed as I unpacked the rock. Didn't even know they were there until after they had been introduced into the tanks.