Photosynthetic sponge?

[michaelross6]

All:

I've heard that there are sponges that are photosynthetic. I believe I have some in a tank I maintain, and would like information as to its desirability in a reef system.

The sponge is dark green, lighter at the tips. It grows many rather slender "stalks" connected to a broad base. I think it is photosynthetic because it grows best under the 400W MH, and bleaches white if under a rock.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[ChaoticReefer]

I am not too knowledgable in sponges, but if you want to learn more about sponges I advise you to get Steve Tryee's sponge book.

 

[michaelross6]

Actually, I have that book somewhere. I'm in the process of moving, so I'm not sure which box it is in <G>.

Mike

 

[ChaoticReefer]

Cool, then you are more advance then me in the kingdom of sponges.

 

[michaelross6]

I've spoken to Steve Tyree about his systems, and saw his original one many years ago. He had two large coral-propagations tanks connected to a common sump that happened to be growing lots of sponges. He commented even then that he noticed improved water quality after the sponges began growing well. I hope to use something like this with my own system when I get it running.

Thanks,

Mike