ID please

MICU murse · Jun 5, 2017

Not sure what this white growth on my corals is. I have a relatively new tank with a few corals, recently I noted a small white growth that appears to have some sort of tentacle protruding from it. My waster quality is currently subpar in regards to excess nutrients and the development of cyanobacter. I added a protein skimmer (too small really for my tank) and have reduced feedings, I intend to do a large water change tomorrow with which I intend to remove the affected sections of coral to hopefully eliminate the growth. My corals prior to this were growing without issue and not all of the corals were affected, just the 2 previously shown. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, I'm nervous it may spread farther.

Mikedawg · Jun 5, 2017

May be a pineapple sponge? Nothing to worry about if so.

MICU murse · Jun 5, 2017

It looks really similar, especially with the tentacles on the end. Should I be concerned though that the coral it seems to be affecting the most is no longer opening like it was? Also it seemed to arise over a few days and spread to a second coral in around a week. I may just be paranoid but I'm new to keeping a tank so I just want to make sure I'm not abusing it unknowingly. Also, thanks for the quick response.

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 5, 2017

It's probably not the sponge. But you can pop it off with a finger nail.

MICU murse · Jun 5, 2017

Ya, that was my plan. I figure removing the magority of it and working to improve water quality will be my next two steps and I can make additional interventions past that if necessary. Thank you for all for the insight and quick response. Reef2reef is definitely where it's at.

Mikedawg · Jun 5, 2017

Pineapple sponges (and there are many types) are often more prevalent in a new tank and sometimes simply die off on their own accord. They are filter feeders and don't think they pose any particular problem for corals. I think many reefers consider them a sign of a healthy, maturing tank.

MICU murse · Jun 5, 2017

I may remove the larger ones and perhaps attempt to transplant them to a different area off of the corals.

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 5, 2017

MICU murse said:
I may remove the larger ones and perhaps attempt to transplant them to a different area off of the corals.

Oh. You don't have to transplant sponges.
Just scratch it off wher you don't want it.

MICU murse · Jun 5, 2017

That's remarkable, I never knew they had such a regenerative capacity. Well I will scrape and get rid of them and I have no doubt I will be seeing them again. Thank you so much for the help.