New sponges?

[SueAubu]

Getting ready to break down the tank for the big move. I noticed these on the water return. (View from below.)

(View from above- top of the water)

In the blue light the ones on the left are gold. The middle, bubbly ones are brown. Any ideas? Are they something to keep or let dry up in the move like the hairy bastid on the right?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Most likely Colpomenia macroalgae - there are a few that look similar, but they don't seem to be common in tropical waters.

I've only seen these a few times, but they don't seem terribly invasive. They seem to just form clumps, so removal if wanted seems easy enough. Personally, I'd keep it to grow out, and maybe give a few clumps away if someone wants them.

 

[SueAubu]

Thanks! Maybe the top of the tank in winter in Maine is noon-tropical enough. Maybe I'll keep one when I have to break the tank down when we move in a few weeks. They're pretty, but that aiptasia is meeting a snowbank!!!

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Thanks! Maybe the top of the tank in winter in Maine is noon-tropical enough. Maybe I'll keep one when I have to break the tank down when we move in a few weeks. They're pretty, but that aiptasia is meeting a snowbank!!!

Yeah, if you don't want to keep any, then I'd really suggest offering them to local reefers or on the forum here - it's not a common macro, and some people might really like to get their hands on some.