Help with ID

Blown · Nov 30, 2020

Hi, I first noticed this white growth in my tank a few weeks ago. It seems to be predominately on the underside of my corals but also in some shaded areas of the rock work. It almost seems like a white algae but it also accompanied by these white pods. Some of my corals have started bleaching off in the past week, and all of the ones that are have this stuff on the underside. What is it? and how do I get rid of it?

Thanks

Gtinnel · Nov 30, 2020

They look like possibly pineapple sponges. I had tons of them when my tank was newer but I never had any grow on a coral, so I'm not sure if they're harmful to coral or not...assuming that's what they are

ShepherdReefer · Nov 30, 2020

Those look like pineapple sponges...I have a ton in my tank. Good to have.

Blown · Nov 30, 2020

ok thanks. On closer inspection I notice their all through the bio media in the sump also. They really have spread through the tank quite fast. Tanks about 6 months old, Will they naturally slow down or go away?

Gtinnel · Nov 30, 2020

They're mostly seen in a newer system, and as the tank matures they go away on their own. I believe I've read that they feed off of silicates that are especially common on a new tank started with dry rock. I used to have a lot of them and I don't see them anymore and I didn't do anything to remove them in my tank. Ultimately they are a filter feeder and not bad to have in the tank.