Derek Clifford
Community Member
Can anyone ID these growing in my sump? Are they a type of sponge?
ID please. Sponge?
- Thread starter Derek Clifford
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ThunderGoose
Well-Known Member
I'd lean more towards a macroalgae. Hitchhiker sponges tend to stay relatively small. What's the texture like? Color when not under blues?
Derek Clifford
Community Member
I would describe them as smooth and leathery/rubbery. They are grey/purple.
ThunderGoose
Well-Known Member
I'm leaning toward sponge but I'm not 100%.
Bump for a second opinion.
Bump for a second opinion.
It does look more like a Macroalgae, but is probably some form of sponge.
Derek Clifford
Community Member
I took a piece out. I think it is an algae. It is translucent when held up to the light.
Should I leave it in the sump or clear it all out?
Should I leave it in the sump or clear it all out?
ThunderGoose
Well-Known Member
Either way I'd suggest leaving it in. Macroalgae will remove nutrients, which is usually beneficial. Sponges are harmless filter feeders.
If it is macroalgae you may need to remove some periodically - BRS has a lot of videos about using Chaeto algae and has found it to be great at improving water quality.
If it is macroalgae you may need to remove some periodically - BRS has a lot of videos about using Chaeto algae and has found it to be great at improving water quality.
