White stuff on rocks in display tank

[Dan13]

Hey guys,

Don't know if this is anything to worry about or not, but really need help here....

I have found some sort of white growth in my display tank as pictured below.

1. What is it?
2. Is it harmful to my tank or inhabitats?
3. How do I get rid of it?

Many thanks,

 

[ZachR32]

Looks like sponge. Pretty harmless

 

[DSC reef]

Sponges. Harmless filter feeders and a sign that the tank is progressing.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

+1 on sponges. Their numbers will level out as the tank matures. If you are bothered by them, you can reduce the amount of and rinse the frozen foods you're using prior to feeding. This will lower the "Snow" that gets mixed into the water column. With less available food their population will go down. The down side to this is increased nutrient levels as the sponges die off, so you will want to stay on top of the water changes to keep nitrates and phosphates in line.

 

[hogfxstc]

+1 on sponges. Their numbers will level out as the tank matures. If you are bothered by them, you can reduce the amount of and rinse the frozen foods you're using prior to feeding. This will lower the "Snow" that gets mixed into the water column. With less available food their population will go down. The down side to this is increased nutrient levels as the sponges die off, so you will want to stay on top of the water changes to keep nitrates and phosphates in line.

If you pulled that off of the rock would it be like a mucus/ snotty type of consistancy? If so, I have noticed some of the same in my tank.

 

[Maritimer]

If you pulled that off of the rock would it be like a mucus/ snotty type of consistancy? If so, I have noticed some of the same in my tank.

Sponges generally have a ... well ... spongy consistency. (~_^)

~Bruce

 

[hogfxstc]

Hence the name, right.. Sometimes it's right in front of you and you just can't see it.

Thanks

Sponges generally have a ... well ... spongy consistency. (~_^)

~Bruce

 

[Isaac Alves]

Yup. Sponges.