TTM /Quarantine procedure for a sponge

[firemountain]

Everyone,

Need some help with the purchase of my first sponge. I am looking to do the TTM and/or quarantine the sponge . Few questions.....

1. Can I put the sponge that is attached to a small piece of LR through the TTM to erradicate the LR of any Crypto? With not ever being able to expose the sponge to air, this presents a bit of a problem when moving the sponge from 1 tank to another and the amount of water being transferred.

2. With my concern for hitchhikers, I know that am not able to dip the sponge in Revive...or can I?? Also...Can sponges be glued to pest free LR from my DT?? Totally a newbie question.

If so.....I am toying with the idea of just cutting off the piece of LR that the sponge is currently attached to, and do an underwater glue. That way any potential hitchhikers can be avoided to an extent.

3. In regards to quarantining.....if the TTM is not possible or will not work....then I am concerned that my QT can be a potential gateway for Crypto to enter. My QT is a fully cycle 30g BB, HOB filter and HOB skimmer, HOB DIY fudge with Chaeto. Right now.....the tank only has 1 micro hermit, and a few Trochus snails. With that being the case......do I move my hermit and small CUC into a separate tank temporarily until the sponge is fully quarantined and transferred to my DT? Just trying real hard to prevent my QT and DT from any diseases and pests.

Any input on this topic would be truly appreciated..

 

[ThRoewer]

TTM only works for fish (and water) - not for anything Cryptocaryon can encyst on.

A sponge is a risky item and should rather be kept separated in a fishless tank for 11 weeks. You may cut it down to 6 weeks if you are willing to take a risk with Cryptocaryon.

 

[snorvich]

TTM only works for fish (and water) - not for anything Cryptocaryon can encyst on.

A sponge is a risky item and should rather be kept separated in a fishless tank for 11 weeks. You may cut it down to 6 weeks if you are willing to take a risk with Cryptocaryon.

I agree and definitely one of the most risky.

 

[firemountain]

Thanks guys!! I knew that spones were risky, and wasnt't sure if I would see any benefit from the TTM with this sponge.

For quarantining the sponge I have a spare 10g tank and HOB filter, and HOB skimmer I can setup. I will just pull some of the ceramic spheres, spun cotton, filter sponge from my current QT's HOB. I can also pull the Marine Pure Ceramic plate from my DT's sump for additional bio. I am sure this would suffice for quarantining the sponge for the 11 weeks.

My DT is coming upon the 1 year mark and everything is running great!! The last thing I am gonna do is roll the dice with a sponge and introduce a pest/ disease.