Sponge

[joebeagle]

I hate to sound stupid, but my orange frilly sponge seems unusually delicate suddenly and small "branches" seem to be breaking off. Does anyone know what is going on or how to save it?

 

[sl-atl]

It may be too late- are you feeding it regularly? As I understand it the frilly sponges aren't photosynthetic so they do best in well-established tanks, and need to be spot-fed often.

 

[joebeagle]

Tank specs are all normal. I'm spot feeding it every 3 or so days. I did recently purchase a new skimmer and I am wondering if that may be taking out the nutrients? In the past few days I've been feeding it daily and turning off the skimmer as I do it.

 

[Grym]

Greenwater more micro algae! Sponges feed continuously, the skimmer may be taking out the proteins and bacteria in the water.

 

[sl-atl]

You definitely may be skimming out the nutrients that the sponge needs. Based on the livestock you listed, your bioload doesn't look high at all for the size of your tank (not that you should stop skimming.)
Also, I think that going to a daily feeding routine is also the right thing to do for this type of sponge. Unlilke ball sponges and others from shallower water that receive some of their energy from zooxanthellae, as far as I know the frilly sponges get all of their energy from filter feeding.
Changing the amount of nutrients you're putting into your system too quickly could lead to nitrite or ammonia spikes, so just test your water regularly while you're tweaking your feeding routine. (I alternate zooplankton feedings with phytoplankton to try to keep the nutrients reasonably low.)
Good luck!

 

[joebeagle]

Thanks all!