white sponge ALL OVER skimmer. remove??

KashAlp · 07/12/2010, 09:33 AM

Hello,

Wondering if i should remove my skimmer and scrub off all the tiny white sponges that are growing all over it. Kinda hard to tell from the pic but if you look really closely you can see that if its under water there is sponge growing on it. inside, outside.. EVERYWHERE!

i know they are a great biological filter but kind of ugly and wonder if it is impairing the operation of my skimmer, although they dont seem to be.

Also note that they ar growing very minimally in the actually DT. maybe 5 or 6small pieces im sure some fish will eat after im done letting it sit fallow for ick treatment.

Sugar Magnolia · 07/12/2010, 10:11 AM

Other than being unsightly, there's nothing to worry about. The reason you see so many in the sump is because it's nice and dark under there. Perfect conditions for sponge growth.

KashAlp · 07/12/2010, 11:10 AM

thank you. i also thought that but wanted to back-up with idea with another hobbiest since i am relitively new to SW.

Allmost · 07/12/2010, 11:12 AM

It is actually a good sign of ure reef maturing.

but u gotta get planktonic creatures under control or the sponges will grow out of control

also, they are the greatest filter for making water clear.

KashAlp · 07/12/2010, 12:05 PM

planktonic creatures? not sure what u mean? please explain

Allmost · 07/12/2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KashAlp

planktonic creatures? not sure what u mean? please explain

basically plankton = free floating.

sponges filter water for small enough particles to eat. more nutrition = they grow more and faster.

PS. make sure you run carbon 24/7

07/12/2010, 09:33 AM	#1
KashAlp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Angus, Ontario, Canada Posts: 211	white sponge ALL OVER skimmer. remove?? Hello, Wondering if i should remove my skimmer and scrub off all the tiny white sponges that are growing all over it. Kinda hard to tell from the pic but if you look really closely you can see that if its under water there is sponge growing on it. inside, outside.. EVERYWHERE! i know they are a great biological filter but kind of ugly and wonder if it is impairing the operation of my skimmer, although they dont seem to be. Also note that they ar growing very minimally in the actually DT. maybe 5 or 6small pieces im sure some fish will eat after im done letting it sit fallow for ick treatment.

07/12/2010, 10:11 AM	#2
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	Other than being unsightly, there's nothing to worry about. The reason you see so many in the sump is because it's nice and dark under there. Perfect conditions for sponge growth. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

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07/12/2010, 11:10 AM	#3
KashAlp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Angus, Ontario, Canada Posts: 211	thank you. i also thought that but wanted to back-up with idea with another hobbiest since i am relitively new to SW.

07/12/2010, 11:12 AM	#4
Allmost Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: canada, toronto Posts: 8,161	It is actually a good sign of ure reef maturing. but u gotta get planktonic creatures under control or the sponges will grow out of control also, they are the greatest filter for making water clear.

07/12/2010, 12:05 PM	#5
KashAlp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Angus, Ontario, Canada Posts: 211	planktonic creatures? not sure what u mean? please explain