Sponges grwoing between zoos

[Tank14]

I have a rock of green zoos that were doing great. Lately they have been closed up (maybe about 2 weeks), and now there are green sponges growing on the rocks in between individual zoo polyps. Could this be why all the zoos are staying closed.

The zoos are located about mid level of the tank and get good like from the MH. This is where they were initially placed and were thriving and multiplying.

Water parameters:
SG - 1.023
Nitrate - 10ppm
Ammonia/Phosphate/Nitrite - 0
Calcium - 375
Alk - 10.7

 

[CrazyZoa]

I had the same issue it sounds. I had a sponge'ish type thing growing next to a frag of zoas. The sponge started to grow into the polyps and they more or less stopped growing. I let this go for a couple of months and finally cut the sponge away the best I could. What was left of it died off in a couple of weeks and the zoas then started to spread again.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

The answer is yes. There are many things that can irritate polyps, both physically and chemically. Encroaching sponges will do it but it really isn't uncommon, but it is easy to remove. If you are sure it's a sponge, remove the rock and place it in a shallow bowl with just enough tank water to cover the top of the rock by 1/2" to 1". Grab a set of dedicated tweezers and a soft narrow inexpensive toothbrush. Carefully pinch and remove the sponge piece by piece and allow it to fall to the bottom of the bowl. When finish, use the brush to clean all remaining remnants of the remaining sponge. If you don't, it could potentially grow back. Then invert, submerge and swoosh in another bowl of tank water to loosen any sponger remaining. The entire process will cause a delay in expansion, but if done correctly, they will bounce back soon. Current will be highly important. Good luck.


Mucho Reef

PS, one caveat, please wear reef safe gloves and eye protection as your face will be close to the bowl as you remove and clean the rock. One squirt in the eye, and the sponge won't be a problem at all. Be safe. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1858696

 

[tate1]

Great information Mucho Reef.