Sponges

[JReefaddict]

So I saw this gorgeous deep red sponge at the LFS that I had to have. But I was apprehensive because I've never had a sponge. Are they very finicky? I know they cannot touch air or they will die. But besides that I do not know much about them.

 

[Connie]

I have found them hard to keep. I've tried a couple of times and they die within a couple of weeks.

 

[JReefaddict]

I see. I think I'm going to pass on this one

 

[Reef.ductionist]

I was researching this very topic a little while back and learned the following:

1. Yes they will die if removed from the water.
2. There is, reportedly, one known species which is cultuvated in the aquarium trade that does survive in aquariums. (It is a red sponge, but there are many different species of red sponge. You might be able to source the breeders of sponges, if I come across it again Ill post it)
3. The one red sponge which can thrive in an aquarium needes to be supplements with some phyto food.
4. 'Zeovit Sponge' is a relatively new product available that Sponges benefit from and apparently people are having success growing some sponges in conjunction with Zeovit.
5. Many marine biologists now believe corals benefit from the presence of sponges.

Hope this helps.

 

[TwistedTiger]

So I saw this gorgeous deep red sponge at the LFS that I had to have. But I was apprehensive because I've never had a sponge. Are they very finicky? I know they cannot touch air or they will die. But besides that I do not know much about them.

Here is a great article that may answer some of your questions.
Aquarium Invertebrates: A Look at the Sponges ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

[MrDJeep123]

So I saw this gorgeous deep red sponge at the LFS that I had to have. But I was apprehensive because I've never had a sponge. Are they very finicky? I know they cannot touch air or they will die. But besides that I do not know much about them.

It's awesome you passed it up because of lack of research. I think after you read more about them, you'll go back and buy it. I have a tree sponge that I've had for I guess 2 months now. I was told when I bought it that they had a bad shipment of them. If that makes any sense. Customers were complaining about how quickly they died. I think that they were mishandled during collection and quite possible by the customers. The one I bought, part of the branch broke off at the LFS, it has since regrew tissue in that area. It is growing and requires little attention from me aside from normal tank upkeep and having to be fed. I use Marine Snow. I do have it in the darker side of my tank as they aren't photosynthetic. If you would like to keep it, be mindful of livestock that would have it for lunch. If you do decide to keep it, post a pic.

Here is my sponge on the right side of my tank. One side is lit, the other is not. I plan on buying more. They are a unique creature and one of my favorite things to own.

 

[JReefaddict]

I just hate to bring something home, and THEN learn how to take care of it. I'd rather someone who knows how to care for it to buy it

 

[vlangel]

Here is a great article that may answer some of your questions.
Aquarium Invertebrates: A Look at the Sponges ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

Thank you for the interesting article. I have a tank with very old LR that has lots of small sponges naturally on it, although some of them have gotten larger over the years. I didn't know they were delicate and they probably are a hardier variety and they aren't beauties. I liked them because I had a navarchus angel ( my avatar) that liked them. I do have an established DSB which must be helping feed them.