Are these sponges? If so how do I remove them?

[brpu]

These white tubes are slowly overtaking my hammer. I’m just curious if they are sponges and how do I remove them. Thanks!

 

[dwest]

They could be sponges but I’m not sure. Either way, I would be quite surprised that they would overgrow your coral. I personally wouldn’t be concerned.

 

[andiesreef]

They could be sponges but I’m not sure. Either way, I would be quite surprised that they would overgrow your coral. I personally wouldn’t be concerned.

sponges can be cool creatures and i've seen some people use sponges and similar benthic organisms as a form of nutrient export since many are efficient filter feeders.

 

[brpu]

They could be sponges but I’m not sure. Either way, I would be quite surprised that they would overgrow your coral. I personally wouldn’t be concerned.

Will they just go away over time?

 

[andiesreef]

Will they just go away over time?

I've heard that sometimes they do, and I doubt they'd be vigorous enough to outgrow a coral.

 

[brpu]

I've heard that sometimes they do, and I doubt they'd be vigorous enough to outgrow a coral.

If they don’t go away over time how can I get rid of them, because my hammer isn’t opening up nearly as much as it normally does

 

[Reef Tripp]

Reduce silicates and they will go away.

 

[PTXReef]

I just use tweezers. These guys pop off very easily!