What is this? Sponge?

[PerculaBen]

So one of my hammers has been irritated for a few days and I’ve noticed this white growth at the base that has spread to the rock. The other hammer and leather next to the irritated hammer seem unaffected. This growth seems soft and kind of gets dusty when scraped. The rest of the tank seems to be doing well.

Maybe a type of sponge? Something else? Should I do anything about it?

Yes, I know about the GHA, that’s a different problem that I’m slowly getting under control. If anything, this new white growth has overgrown or outcompeted the GHA.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[mtfish]

I would say it is a type of white sponge. I let all my sponges alone in my tank as they help filter water and I think they look cool.

 

[PerculaBen]

I would say it is a type of white sponge. I let all my sponges alone in my tank as they help filter water and I think they look cool.

Even if it seems to be irritating the hammer?

 

[PerculaBen]

Any other thoughts? Sponge yay or nay? Leave it be?

 

[samnaz]

Sponge, yay. Leave it be. Never heard of this particular species of sponge out competing or irritating a coral. They live in the shadows.

 

[samnaz]

I’d move the hammer away from the toadstool. That could be irritating it?

 

[DeniseAndy]

It is not the sponge bothering it. The toadstool will be the culprit. Move it far away.

 

[PerculaBen]

Awesome, thanks. I’ll move the leather.