Hi Lexie, I see nothing to be especially alarmed about if you are cycling or recently cycled. Could be coralline spots starting to establish, or a bit of hair algae gaining a foothold IMO. Calling in @vetteguy53081 to add his 2 cents....These dark spots started coming up on my live rock but no where else. It's only in small spots similar in size. They aren't raised or spongy looking. Nothing grows out of them. Are they bad? If so, how do I stop it?
Green coralline algae. Good thing. Less room for nuisance algae.These dark spots started coming up on my live rock but no where else. It's only in small spots similar in size. They aren't raised or spongy looking. Nothing grows out of them. Are they bad? If so, how do I stop it?
Carbon is extremely effective at removing toxins secreted by all sessile organisms, but most sponges, especially Calcarea sponges (which is what these dark organisms would likely be if they happen to be sponges) do not behold any sort of toxic chemicals. Sponges, while usually being overlooked, are actually an extremely important part of both wild and captive reefs. They provide food for not only popular grazing reef fish, but also microfauna such as amphipods.
Don't run carbon, not for twenty years... but that's another story... I trust your opinion, but let's get you and @vetteguy53081 together on same page to help this new reefer out in simpler terms. I bet it's a bit overwhelming all of it for her....my white sponges I have left , as you allude to since 25 years....
They provide food for fish such as angels and carbon removes SOME toxins, Chemipure elite is an example as it contains some GFO. Leathers also produce toxins and with presence of carbon still affect many stony coral. Toxins are compounds that are natural in origin, such as those from invertebrates, fish, or alga. These can be proteins, small peptides, or other organic compounds. Activated carbon is known to bind organic molecules (note that it will not help with nitrogen cycle components or many other inorganic compounds). It has commonly been employed in clarifying water such as removing the yellow/brown coloration from older tanks. The molecules which cause yellowing in the water are organic wastes, typically large organic acids, which readily bind to activated carbon. Carbon is consumed once all of the available sites are covered with these organics or a biofilm (bacterial mat) develops on the granule surfaces preventing diffusion through the pores, allowing toxins to once again circulate.
Thank you. It is a lot. Honestly, just about a year ago I decided to set up a 40g I wasn't using as a sw since I'd never had one before. I really didn't think it was going to be this hard (I've had fw forever!). I was so wrong but I do love it and I am trying to learn. Right now, unfortunately, I do use carbon and phosphate removers just for a lack of knowledge. I make upgrades as I can after I've done the proper research that I need to have to understand why it works and how. No need in wasting money on equipment I don't know how to properly use. I just want to make sure my fish and corals are safe from danger or disease. I can deal with black sponges if they're harmless enough. Thanks for all the input though!! It is so nice to have an issue and be so readily able to get highly experienced responses!
Ah! Yes...I was there, it is a lot to digest especially early. Was reeling in fact...for several years, it was a tough go. I feel your concern for the inhabitants. Bringing in a few more that can maybe assist with what you have going on and that I trust here lately, as I can't identify what you have happening, those who have weighed in are knowledgeable but its a lot to digest... all opinions are valid but I think they will keep it on the more simplified level.... if they can't they will indicate. @Tamberav ? @Cell ? @Jekyl ?.
