Orange Paddle Sponge...

Fish_BowLisha · Aug 21, 2015

6 months ago I fell prey to my LFS...I acquired an orange paddle sponge which at the time seemed like a nice addition to my DT. I am a heavy handed feeder and because of this I have quite a few resident sponges and tunicates, all hitch hikers, so I thought why not for the paddle. The usual protocol happened I watched to make sure no air hit the sponge and released it under water in the bag. The sponge did not get exposed to air.

I've made some changes to my husbandry and have been doing weekly water changes. 5gal/week on my 55 DT. I used to do 10gal/2 wks. Or even get away with 15gal/ month. The main reason for the change is that I have moved into keeping corals, mostly LPS.

My question is: Can I have both? The sponge is saying no! But I have moved it to a higher flow area and am target feeding suspension from fishes food. I read that it needs constant flow and last month I changed the flow around for my Euphilia without considering the sponge. Needless to say it is not happy. I have read that it can be toxic if it dies in tank. I think I may have time to bring it back, but am wondering if anyone else has been able to do so once their sponge started declining.

I'm concerned about the white edges...(I brightened the pic to enhance the outer edge). Any help is much appreciated.

iReef86 · Aug 21, 2015

Have you tried moving it to a different location in tank or adding or removing flow?

Fish_BowLisha · Aug 21, 2015

Yep did that a couple of days ago. Was just wondering if it's a huge risk since I see that it is declining. Don't want an exploding sponge in the DT lol

Fish_BowLisha · Aug 21, 2015

And yet not supposed to be in my tank...foiled again! Ugh!! Not your ordinary sponge. Can be toxic if doesn't get its way. Unfortunately I moved it so a new coral could have optimal placement, thinking it's just a sponge lol not so true. After a month or two? It has started declining. Notice white edges. I have since moved it to higher flow and hope not too much light and will cross my fingers that the recession will reverse itself. I feel so bad for starving the poor thing:-/