Sponge exposed to air!?

[lines_michael]

I pulled out some live rock last night that had excessive unwanted algae growing on it and scrub the algae off during a water change.

I noticed a sponge growing on the bottom and didn't realize that exposure to air isn't good for sponges.

What should I do? What should I expect if I leave it in the tank?

 

[c_stowers]

I've taken LR out many times with sponges on them. As long as it wasn't exposed to the air for more than a few minutes you should be fine.

 

[IPowderBlueTang]

I have sponges all over the LR and when rearranging the rocks I sometimes expose it to air by leaving it in rubber maid containers for an hour or more. It seems not to affect the sponges the keep growing afterwards.
I also read they should not be exposed to air! But it seems not to affect my sponges.

 

[bertoni]

Sponges vary greatly in their sensitivity to air. Some are intertidal, for example. I'd watch the sponge carefully. If it shows signs of decay, I'd suggest pitching it quickly, since it might be toxic.

 

[ahullsb]

I've had the same experience. The sponges I've bought and liked dyed because of exposure to air, the ones that look like ear plugs always seem to make it...