sponges?

[plum70rt]

Do Sponges require lots of light?

 

[treble]

No special light I dont think, make sure the sponge NEVER touches air if you get one. They are filter feeders.

 

[sandy]

I've been wondering. I have a sponge that is on a ummm 3-5 lb pice of LR. It covers about 25% of the rock in the back. It is not part. pretty... just white/brownish. It seems to be thriving and has those interesting tubes to filter.
It must have been a very hardy hitchiker on the LR. Will this sponge be beneficial or a problem (I know not to expose it to air).

 

[treble]

I know it is probable dead... During the shipping process LR is usually shipped in damp news paper, therefor its been in contact with air possibly? Sponges feed off of particles in the water...its kinda like a filter, but I dont think you will notice a huge difference at all.

 

[sandy]

This has been in my tank for about 4 months and has grown significantly. I'm pretty sure it is not dead. Die off probably occured but should be done. I'm not sure. I don't know anything about sponges.
Don't have a pic... sigh. Wonder if I should remove it or not? It's kinda cool looking.

 

[bang guy]

Don't remove it Feel free to trim it down if you think it's too big or you just want to keep it small.

 

[sandy]

I'm pretty sure I have high nitrAtes because I feed too much and my current ps is a piece of junk, but...
Is it possible that parts of the sponge can die off - like if the chocolate chip star feeds on it or any air bubbles get trapped from water changes - that the sponge could also cause higher nitrAtes?

 

[blennybabe]

If it has several clear tube openings then it is probably a colony of encrusting tunicates. they are trying to look lilke a sponge. a true sponge will usually only have one mouth called an osculum (i think) and they will use it for intake and exaust. I hope this helps. I have both in my tank. the sponge is whitish and the tunicates look like a flourescent yellow sponge.

 

[sandy]

hmmm not florescent yellow, though it is hard to tell under the florescents. It is whitish / yellowish and has three clear tube like openings. It spreads over the back of the rock near the glass and I see a little new growth just above it. I'll check out pics on the other you suggested. Thanks
when I do a google image search (go to www.google.com) (click on the image tab) (type encrust_sponge) it looks like that.

 

[sandy]

Did another search. I think you are right. I just can't see the individuals very well without a microscope or magnifying glass.
Thanks