Sponge removal

[harlequin]

I have several rocks with zoos on them which were growing great until a tough yellow sponge moved in and basically stopped all propagation of them to my annoyance. Does anyone know a way to get rid of the sponge without harming the zoos. I cant just pull the sponge because its extremely tough and the zoos are intertwined in it. Does this site sell a nudibranch that will eat yellow sponge? Any crabs or other inverts that will eat it? My LFS suggests a flame or pygmy angel but I have never heard of those eating sponges and I dont have room in my 55 for one of these anyway. let me know any ideas, thanks.

 

[stupid_naso]

I have never had experience with sponges, but one thing I know they don't like air. I learned that when handling them you have to make sure that they are not exposed to air. Well, I suppose going with that fact, you can lift your lr out of the water for awhile, the zoos won't die but supposedly the sponge will. I'm not sure how deadly air can be to the sponges, but I suppose if you hate it that much you can do that.
Btw, why do you want to get rid of it? Sponges are good as far as I'm concern. Your zoos will grow around it and it will look nice. Well that's just my opinion. Hope it helps...
stupid_naso

 

[fishman830]

whynot cut them wi tha blade or scissors

 

[hwki]

I had a similar situation with a rock covered with zoos. A yellowish-white sponge started spreading up the side of the rock in a line and essentially split my colony in half. The zoos just continued to grow in opposite directions. I was told by the LFS where I bought the zoos that this is a type of encrusting sponge that should not grow as fast as the zoos.

 

[smarls]

Harlequin,
Just a thought, but in nature, zoas and sponges are often found growing together. In fact, I believe I have read that many zoas actually need the sponge in order to grow properly. (although not in a truly symbiotic relationship). The interaction of many ocean animals is still a mystery in many ways...including sponges, which are notoriously difficult to keep.
I think if your biggest problem in your tank is that you have a sponge growing quickly amongst your zoas, then you are doing ok! Personally, I think that this is a great reproduction of a natural environment, and isn't that what you are trying to achieve anyways?
My vote (not that it matters as it is your tank) is to leave it alone, and see how it looks a year from now. The sponge may grow, then the zoas catchup, and may grow up the side of the sponge, and you may have a "show piece" of coral.
HTH
Stewart

 

[reefeel]

You could use an air pump and push air on them to see if the helps