Sponges? Tunicates?

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by LarryS, Jun 1, 2012.

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  1. LarryS

    LarryS Bristle Worm

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    These started showing up weeks ago in the 20g sump (return section only) of a 65 DT that is currently fish and inverts.

    More recently, as per the 2 DT photos, they have begun implanting themselves in the rock first having attached to the glass (in a similar fashion as shown in the sump photos).

    I thought they might have been sponges, but they do not grow any larger in size - roughly from 2mm up to about 5-7mm in size.

    I'm concerned because they are spreading and I have no clue how to stop their growth.
     

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    LarryS, Jun 1, 2012
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  2. jlongwell

    jlongwell Spaghetti Worm

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    I'd say tunicates.
     
    jlongwell, Jun 1, 2012
    jlongwell, Jun 1, 2012
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  3. schackmel

    schackmel Giant Squid

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    pineapple sponges. perfect little harmless filter feeders!
     
    schackmel, Jun 1, 2012
    schackmel, Jun 1, 2012
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  4. LarryS

    LarryS Bristle Worm

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    Bingo! Thank you.

    So, doing searches (here and elsewhere) for pineapple or syconoid sponges seems to indicate that they compete with other filter feeders for resources. And, should there be a die off, that they can result in a diatom bloom.

    If so, is there a way to get rid of them or do I just take a deep breath and hope for the best? :-/ Thanks.
     
    LarryS, Jun 1, 2012
    LarryS, Jun 1, 2012
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  5. schackmel

    schackmel Giant Squid

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    if you are having a major outbreak of them, it can indicate your silicate level is possibly elevated and/or over feeding

    I have never had any issues with them in my tank with die off. IMO their population will probably be controlled by the amount of food available in the system. I wouldnt worry about them
     
    schackmel, Jun 1, 2012
    schackmel, Jun 1, 2012
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  6. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    My fuge is loaded with them and I also have them on the back wall in the darker areas. I've never had any issues related to them. It would have to be a very large die off to cause a water quality issue. As for competing with other filter feeders, like what?
     
    NanaReefer, Jun 1, 2012
    NanaReefer, Jun 1, 2012
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  7. LarryS

    LarryS Bristle Worm

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    Just wondering, really. Regarding filter feeder competition, I suppose feather dusters and corals like frogspawn and hammerhead, etc.?

    Based on what you guys are saying...and reading elsewhere that they are "harmless"... I'm going to call it a day. I'm using RO/DI so likely some overfeeding on my part. That they've started taking up home on/in the rock, was what was giving me concerns.

    I've got a six line wrasse waiting in the wings (in QT for another week). I've read that they might eat pineapples but have not clue.
     
    LarryS, Jun 1, 2012
    LarryS, Jun 1, 2012
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