How am I and what do I want?

[dodo99]

I've noticed several of these things growing around the tank. Mostly on the powerheads, anywhere relatively dark. Any ideas? I think they could be sponges.

They're white, in size ranging from a couple of millimeters to 5 millimeters. It's shape is pretty much like a white pineaple. There is a cone coming out of the top, sort of like a duster, but it doesn't move.

Thanks for any help.

DoDo
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If you think nobody knows you exist, try missing a couple of car payments.

 

[dodo99]

One more...

 

[Anonymous]

Phylum: Porifera (sponge)
Class: Calcarea
Subclass: Calcaronea
Genus: Sycon
Harmless filter feeders.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[dodo99]

Ahh good. Sumtin new every week... Thanks for the info.

DoDo

 

[Anonymous]

Yea, harmless until they proliferate in your plumbing and slow your siphons! 8O

Hehehe, Q-Tip sponges. I clean about a hundred or so out of my refuge return line every couple of months or so.

David, I heard a rumor that Asterina sp. stars might prey on these. Is this somebodies mistaken impression or should I get some to help maintain my plumbing? I know that the stars themselves can become an issue, but they are at least motile creatures.

 

[dodo99]

I also have those lil' Asterina stars as well. Actually, it's 3/4 of one, and 3/4 of another one. I guessing they split. Since I chucked my Eclipse 3 hood last week, I haven't seen new sponges show up.