really dumb question

[sadielynn]

I found some white sponges in our filter while checking for leaks . I think that they are qtip sponges is this normal ..... our filter does not have a light .... second I found a sponge growing on our lr tonite and it appears yellow is this good or bad ????

 

[reefman23]

From my understanding, those sponges are good. I have many of them in my tank. ANd they are non-photosynthetic, so it is no suprise that they are doing well in the dark.

 

[skipm]

I have seen sponges grow in the overflows of my big tanks, on LR and I have even had a few grow on the glass. Sponges like these are harmless unless they are someplace where they will be exposed to air which will kill them and if there are enough killed, can cause a cycle. I would remove the ones that may be exposed to air but leave the rest alone as long as they are not obstructing your view or something like that. Skip

 

[sadielynn]

Thanks for the answer I emptied them into a dixie cup to prevent them air exposure . I just thought that they needed light . :roll: LOL
Now for the yellow ones are they good

 

[skipm]

I have some of the yellow sponge in both my 12 gallon nanocube and my 75 and have had no problems with them, IMO they are also harmless. Skip

PS You know there are no really dumb questions.

 

[sadielynn]

Thanks skip

PS You know there are no really dumb questions.

only when they come from me

 

[Abarnswell]

sadielynn, what are these sponges that you are talking about? In the past few days, I've noticed TWO weird growths in my reef tank and had absolutely no idea what they could be. Both are white and look like little cotton balls. Are these sponges like the ones you are talking about? Both of mine are growing on LR.

If they are sponges, where in the world did they come from? What do they eat, and it's okay to leave them in there???

 

[dragon79]

perfectly safe sponges. no need to worry yourself April.

 

[Abarnswell]

This is all very interesting. I thought they were some kind of weird mold or something. It never entered my mind that they were hitchhiking sponges. Does anyone know where these things come from? Are they hitchhikers? I assume they are filter feeders. ??

My reef tank is about three months old now, and all kinds of weird things are showing up. I have a few small aiptasia now, which I've never had before. I have a few weird earthworm things now, which I've never had before. And now I have an asterina starfish with only three legs. Where did HE come from??

Reef tanks are the ultimate land of mystery... I am very proud of my 3-month old reef tank. The water is crystal clear, there is practically no bad algae, my rocks are beautiful with coralline algae, my corals are all happy (including my Pipe Organ and my Flower Pot). And my fish and snails and crabs are happy. And now I have white cotton ball sponges. Who knew!