ID needed - is this a sponge?

[tj1627]

Hi all,

So theres some strange growth going on in the low flow areas of my sump. These small off-white branches are attached to the acrylic and about 1/8th inch long.

I finally got around to cleaning out my BRS carbon + GFO filter today, and these guys were growing in there too. There were a few in the carbon chamber, but none in the GFO. Looks like i have definitive proof that this combo filter has flow problems.....

They are completely soft and are brushed off easily. Possibly related, but not sure, there were small white rings, maybe 1mm in diameter, that were attached all over the reactor chamber as well. These were calciferous and wouldn't budge with a toothbrush vigorously scrubbing them. I couldn't get the camera to focus on these small circles, but they were a thin white circular line.

I'm thinking the soft growths are possibly sponges? The hard circles? Not sure and maybe unrelated.

Thanks in advance.

Tim

 

[dmh41532]

They don't look like the little sponges that grow in my tank, but they could be.

 

[Anemone]

The small circles are a type of fan worm. Generally have a very small red tuft that they use to filer the water.

Your soft ones, I'm not sure. They don't appear to be the more common sponges we get in your tank, but if they're really on;y 1/8th of an inch in length, they may just need to grow more to become more recognizable.

Kevin

 

[tj1627]

The small circles are a type of fan worm. Generally have a very small red tuft that they use to filer the water.

Your soft ones, I'm not sure. They don't appear to be the more common sponges we get in your tank, but if they're really on;y 1/8th of an inch in length, they may just need to grow more to become more recognizable.

Kevin

Thanks Kevin - upon closer inspection of the small white rings i can see 1 or 2 that have the small red tuft. Sounds like the fan worm you described.

Still not sure on the soft growth. I can say that it apparently likes low/no light and low flow. I found only one in the DT right underneath my overflow box where light can't hit it and flow is somewhat blocked by the rock work. That being said, still perplexed at what it could be. I can see probably 20-30 in the sump.

 

[Anemone]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the calcerous rings will come off easily with a plastic algae scraper (or old credit card).

Kevin

 

[jaschall]

I believe I have some of the things from your first photo. They look like some type of filter feeder spong to me. Do yours grow clear tubes with roots at the base.

 

[MARINECRITTERS]

The white worms or spirorbid worms, and the branches are completely harmless filter feeders, I have a ton in my tank, they usually grow along with pineapple sponges ( similar structure )

 

[lostmyz]

yeah i have the brs dual stage reactor... I personally think it SUCKS and I am looking to change it out!

 

[tj1627]

I believe I have some of the things from your first photo. They look like some type of filter feeder spong to me. Do yours grow clear tubes with roots at the base.

Yea, I'd say more of an off white, but they're exactly as you described. White tube with "roots" at the base