What is it? Sponge? A mystery from the Raffle!
- Thread starter mike1962
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sagitariuscbc
Premium Member
Sponge, but I would keep an eye on it, it may out grow the zoa's. You could always frag the zoa's away from it.
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dots
Premium Member
Once thought to be a liability because once exposed to air they die, sponge used to be avoided. In recent years since water quality and stability has gotten better on average, they are a welcome sign of stabilty and biodiversity as well and filtration.
I have a large black sponge that I was going to offer pieces of soon if anyone would like. Its a good cover crop for the algae, stays jet black and is different to see. Right now it has some detitus on it, but in a few minutes it will slough it off and be black and shiny as new.
I have a large black sponge that I was going to offer pieces of soon if anyone would like. Its a good cover crop for the algae, stays jet black and is different to see. Right now it has some detitus on it, but in a few minutes it will slough it off and be black and shiny as new.
Thanks for the info Dots. I am glad that as time has marched on, so has our understanding and equipment improved the overall success of reef tanks. It is my suspicion that while we understand a fair number of fundamentals in keeping reef tanks, there is probably a complexity that we still haven't yet appreciated. The Social Biologist E.O. Wilson has suggested that a rotting tree trunk contains a universe all to its own of fungi, mold, and bacteria working in complex ways, I don't see why a reef system would be any different.
That looks to be a large sponge that you have. Just curious, how long have you had it, and how big is it?
That looks to be a large sponge that you have. Just curious, how long have you had it, and how big is it?
dots
Premium Member
I bought the rock over two years ago and it came all purple, with two anenome on it and the sponge about the size of a quarter inside one of the holes. It covers what you see, is now really starting to take off since I changed my water source and encrusting on the bottom of the tank. Streched out flat......I would say 8" square easily and up to a 1/4" think in places. You wouldn't think it, but its very fibrous and meaty.
But like my 4" diameter Astrea snail, could go bad fast and pollute the tank if I get lazy. I figure by the time that happens all my SPS would be dead anyways, so I figure I can keep it without worry.
Seriously, its getting big and will need to cut it back one of these days.....if anyone wants some let me know.
One word of advice with sponge: Do not expose to air as they are sensitive to it.
In the FTS shot, you can see the big black blob on the bottom to get a idea of how big it really is. I like it because no algae grows where it does. Its a black encrusting sponge, but other than that have not looked it up.......I always thought Marine Flora and Fauna would always be interested in it........who was that agian?
But like my 4" diameter Astrea snail, could go bad fast and pollute the tank if I get lazy. I figure by the time that happens all my SPS would be dead anyways, so I figure I can keep it without worry.
Seriously, its getting big and will need to cut it back one of these days.....if anyone wants some let me know.
One word of advice with sponge: Do not expose to air as they are sensitive to it.
In the FTS shot, you can see the big black blob on the bottom to get a idea of how big it really is. I like it because no algae grows where it does. Its a black encrusting sponge, but other than that have not looked it up.......I always thought Marine Flora and Fauna would always be interested in it........who was that agian?
kevin95695
Member of the Registry
Marine Flora = bluenassarius = Sam.
saltykelly
Member
I would like some of that black sponge. I have seen it at YR. John says it grows pretty fast and is tolerant to high lighting unlike most sponges.
sagitariuscbc
Premium Member
Hey if you have some left I would like a piece too, when ever really no rush!-)
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