Not sure where to put this. Sponge

[teishokue]

I introduced a pink sponge into my tank. Not sure how to care or it's harmful. It seems to have been growing. Came on as a hitchhiker on a rock. It's small. Light pink and doesn't do much.

Wondering if it will become a problem

 

[johanasu]

Sponge, in general, are harmless filter feeders. They typically prefer darker spots/undersides of rocks.

 

[teishokue]

He floated for a while. Now he's wedged on my rock. And he's at the top with full light hitting him. Should I be worried?

 

[firemountain]

I would do ALOT of reading on sponges. First I would attempt to identify it, which may be hard, but try to narrow it down. Where did you acquire it from? Some sponges can release a toxin if stressed or die in your tank and kill off your fish. While the majority of reef sponges you see in the LFS will be safe, but some are not.

If it floated and came in contact with the air...then I would be worried. The majority of sponges will perish if made contact with the air. There are a few species that can be exposed to air, but the majority can not.....that why they emphasize to keep them completly submerged during transfer.

 

[Mock]

Meh..... I dont totally agree with the poster above me. Pink and Yellow Sponges are usually harmless, our LFS has a Purple one that plates like a Monti, totally harmless. The ones you want to keep your eyes on are usually black or have crazy patterns to them.

Those are the ones you want to watch.

It is emphasized to keep all sponges submerged BUT a lot of them will survive as long as its a quick transfer and the membrane that holds water together isnt broken or wiped off and air is exposed directly to the sponges tissues.