sponge acclimatization

[yosemite sam]

Hey all,
I just got my order from this website and it includes a rather large red tree sponge (cool). How should I acclimatize it? The bag is full of water, but is not very big, so I fear that if I open it and acclimatize it like i do with other things, it will get exposed to air. Help!

 

[fshhub]

not sure what to do in this instance
drip acclimation is probably best(but don't know how you can do so with your problem. But just want to reassure you taht you are correct in NOT exposing this one to air. That is the last thing youwant to do with sponge.
proceed with caution

 

[yosemite sam]

Thanks for the help. I'm currently working with the other stuff in the order, (snails, a shrimp, and a few nudibranchs. I want to save the sponge for last. It's in the cooler still. Should it be OK in there for a while? I want to give it my undivided attention, but don't want it to croak while I wait.

 

[yosemite sam]

The sponge is still in the cooler. I hope that is OK. How about this as an acclimatization procedure. I thought about putting tank water in a 1 gallon pitcher that I have, and then putting the bag with the sponge in the pitcher, and poking a small hole in it, then move the bag around every few minutes, maybe adding another hole or two. Then put the pitcher in the tank and take the sponge out. I know this may add more of the bag water than I want, but that is hard not to do with sponges, right? Here is a picture of the thing. I must be huge! I can't wait to get it out, and see it! It's a lot bigger than I was expecting.

 

[yosemite sam]

I think there is probably around 1 liter or water, maybe a little less. Think the idea will work?

 

[plum70rt]

what you described is what I do, just take your time,

 

[overanalyzer]

Your plan is logically sound and the way I would do it is the sponge in a smaller bucket/pitcher that will fit into your tank and then place that in a larger bucket. Make sure the smaller one - with the bag in it - is completely submerged - then poke holes in opposite sides and let it sit for a while (like 1/2 hour 45 minutes) to allow the water to co-mingle...... then run your drip acclimation for a long while and eventually remove the bag .... then get it into the tank without exposure to the air .....

 

[yosemite sam]

Thanks Plum. Seeing your's inspired me to get this. Hopefully it will look as nice as yours!

 

[jonthefb]

good luck, that thing looks like a monster!
jon

 

[j21kickster]

very cool- also "acclimation"