snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I have an overabundance of small white sponges in one of my tanks and I want to take care of this. I was wondering what type of fish loves to pick and nibble, perhaps eat sponges.
thanks
thanks
sponge eating fish
- Thread starter snakeblitz33
- Start date
ophiura
Active Member
I would discourage this. Many sponge eaters are more specific to certain species - often not the nuissance sponges we have (I am assuming you may have Q tip sponges).
As many sponges are filter feeders, it is often a sign of a nutrient issue in the tank, and I would start addressing that. Many of these sponges "bloom" for months at a time and then die off just as quickly.
I strongly discourage adding a fish. Even if you found one, it may not resolve this issue.
As many sponges are filter feeders, it is often a sign of a nutrient issue in the tank, and I would start addressing that. Many of these sponges "bloom" for months at a time and then die off just as quickly.
I strongly discourage adding a fish. Even if you found one, it may not resolve this issue.
srfisher17
Active Member
Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/2856047
I would discourage this. Many sponge eaters are more specific to certain species - often not the nuissance sponges we have (I am assuming you may have Q tip sponges).
As many sponges are filter feeders, it is often a sign of a nutrient issue in the tank, and I would start addressing that. Many of these sponges "bloom" for months at a time and then die off just as quickly.
I strongly discourage adding a fish. Even if you found one, it may not resolve this issue.
Our hobby is just starting to learn that many fish need sponge; I don't think anyone really knows what sponge types are eaten by what fish. If you did get lucky, and something like a Rock Beauty did happen to like the sponges you have; what would you feed when the sponge was gone? I agree that you probably have an excess-nutrient issue. All the sponge eaters I know of are very difficult and demand pristine water; so i really don't think your idea is an option.
http:///forum/post/2856047
I would discourage this. Many sponge eaters are more specific to certain species - often not the nuissance sponges we have (I am assuming you may have Q tip sponges).
As many sponges are filter feeders, it is often a sign of a nutrient issue in the tank, and I would start addressing that. Many of these sponges "bloom" for months at a time and then die off just as quickly.
I strongly discourage adding a fish. Even if you found one, it may not resolve this issue.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
q-tip sponges.
There's not enough light in the tank for algae, that's why there's a heck of a lot of sponges.
not really much I can do to resolve the issue in a 225 heavily fed tank.
I did get a EuroReef RC80, and it's working extremely well.
There's not enough light in the tank for algae, that's why there's a heck of a lot of sponges.
not really much I can do to resolve the issue in a 225 heavily fed tank.
I did get a EuroReef RC80, and it's working extremely well.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Also, I did get rid of all the copper in the system. So, now that there's no copper in the system, at least in the water column, that the sponges are allowed to take over.
I wish I could just start all new.. All new tank and everything, but the owner of it doesn't want to do that. I'm constantly having to resolve issues. Oh well, thanks all.
I wish I could just start all new.. All new tank and everything, but the owner of it doesn't want to do that. I'm constantly having to resolve issues. Oh well, thanks all.
rotarymagic
Active Member
sponges aren't a bad thing.. I dunno why you're trying to kill them off..
A red sea regal angel may love them lol.. or the aforementioned rock beauty.
A red sea regal angel may love them lol.. or the aforementioned rock beauty.
ophiura
Active Member
I would definitely not try a large angel for this. Q tips are nuissance sponges. And those fish are hit or miss in terms of survival, not to mention in terms of mixing with other fish.
I would bet over time they will go away on their own. As mentioned they "bloom" and then tend to die off in most systems as other things become established.
I would bet over time they will go away on their own. As mentioned they "bloom" and then tend to die off in most systems as other things become established.
srfisher17
Active Member
Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/2857525
I would definitely not try a large angel for this. Q tips are nuissance sponges. And those fish are hit or miss in terms of survival, not to mention in terms of mixing with other fish.
I would bet over time they will go away on their own. As mentioned they "bloom" and then tend to die off in most systems as other things become established.
I agree; and angels really need algae to thrive and you said you don't have enough light. I know you can provide algae in other forms; but, IMO, it just isn't the answer.
http:///forum/post/2857525
I would definitely not try a large angel for this. Q tips are nuissance sponges. And those fish are hit or miss in terms of survival, not to mention in terms of mixing with other fish.
I would bet over time they will go away on their own. As mentioned they "bloom" and then tend to die off in most systems as other things become established.
I agree; and angels really need algae to thrive and you said you don't have enough light. I know you can provide algae in other forms; but, IMO, it just isn't the answer.