Sponge around Torch coral

How do I get rid of this sponge around my torch coral? It hasn't been happy for a while and it looks like the sponge around the base of the torch has gotten larger. How do I remove it? Do I just use an exacto knife and slice it off? All help is welcomed

here is a picture

 

The exacto knife surgery will most likely be temporary unless you get all of the sponge but I think that will be the best way to go. Try and get the torch and attached rock out of the tank when you do it so the sponge does not have somewhere else to grow unless you want it to.

 

If I am correct once you remove the sponge from the water its probably gonna die because it comes into contact with the air.

 

I was thinking the same,just pull it out for a few and put it back,i believe they trap air in their spores and can't feed,mabey someone else will chime in.

 

I was thinking the same but I have pulled out rock with sponges on it and the sponge did not die off. Also I was worried about polluting the tank since sponges filter pretty much everything out of the water.

 

I want to say Packleader had this problem before. Doesn't happen often that I have seen. You can try searching for his threads on it, or just give him a PM to see what he did.

I'm afraid I can be no more help on this.

 

Very good point.

 

I figured it would probably grow back. It is starting to suffocate the torch. I would take the rock out, but it is at the bottom of the pile.....I may try to get it out though. and use that as an excuse to reaquascape.

I have heard this....what about it throwing my levels off?

I was worried about polluting the tank....my levels are on spot and I don't want to screw it up.

You were plenty help! I will look into his threads. Thanks!!!

 

I did. I just let it be and they were fine together. But whatever you do, don't expose it to air, as very often exposure to air will kill a torch coral (not what you are going for). I would say scraping the heck out of it with a straightblade would be best.

 

Lol thanks! You saved me from having to seach for you. hehe. I think I will go with your suggestion. I don't really want to take my tank apart just to kill this sponge. I will get a straightblade and cut at it. thanks