Do I Have A Sponge Infestation?

[Liquid360]

I posted on another thread asking for an ID for this gelatinous pink stuff growing everywhere. A fellow forum member seems certain they're sponges. However, in my 30+ years keeping tanks, I've NEVER had a hitchhiker that wasn't the spawn of Satan. I'd love others opinions. I'm not second guessing the guy who said they're sponges, but if somebody said I won a car, I'd certainly want confirmation before accepting it as fact [emoji4]
Sorry for poor image quality

 

[wkscott]

I'm having a hard time with the pictures but my guess would be harmless pineapple sponges.

 

[Liquid360]

Any better?

 

[jsker]

#reefsquad

 

[Liquid360]

#reefsquad

Hope you didn't take offense [emoji4]

 

[wkscott]

Pretty sure they sre pineapple sponges. You don't really have to worry about an infestation because sponged like this just come and go.

 

[jsker]

Hope you didn't take offense [emoji4]

Not at all, just bring is some more eyes. so we can get it nailed down for you.

 

[Maritimer]

Not pineapple sponges (which look like little, cream yellow pineapples), but they do look like an encrusting sort of sponge. They draw water into themselves through tiny pores pretty much everywhere, while the larger openings are for venting. Most of the ones I've encountered like quiet little out-of-the-way corners and crevices, so look for them to show up in your darker caves and caverns.

~Bruce

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Nope, those are good, I have a bunch. in the dt and sump/

 

[JaimeAdams]

yeah not pineapple, but harmless, arguably beneficial.

 

[Liquid360]

I'm comfortable now in the knowledge that you've reached a consensus, not necessarily in what this is, but that it's actually a good thing. I do however feel bad now about the time I spent with rocks in one hand, toothbrush in the other, over a trash can lid scraping these things off. Live and learn huh?

 

[Liquid360]

Okay guys, another question. This growth on the underside of a mushroom colony. Under white light it's seriously red, not at all like the other sponges. Under blues it's Orange.

 

[Maritimer]

Sponges come in every color . . .

They're a phylum, not a single species.

~Bruce

 

[Liquid360]

I know they're a phylum. My question was is this a sponge? In all my reef keeping, I've never had sponges grow in my tank.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I know they're a phylum. My question was is this a sponge? In all my reef keeping, I've never had sponges grow in my tank.

it does look like it yes. I find it odd you have not had sponges.

 

[Liquid360]

it does look like it yes. I find it odd you have not had sponges.

Reef keeping since 1991. I've bought sponges before, but never had them show up. How would they even get into my system? It wasn't on the rock I used.
Anyways, thanks!

 

[Maritimer]

Could have been on a frag - I've got a few that peeked out between frag & plug.

~Bruce

 

[jsker]

This is a pretty interesting read about sponges Link. Another link @Liquid360, you can add sponge farmer to your resume.

 

[Liquid360]

This is a pretty interesting read about sponges Link. Another link @Liquid360, you can add sponge farmer to your resume.

Thanks for that! I love reading articles in advanced aquarist.

 

[cubbyman60]

I have the exact same looking sponges. Small, red/pink, and look almost like algae but have clear vents and pores. I'm happy to have them.