Tree Sponge Help

[Anonymous]

Can anyone give me some info on the Tree Sponge? Acclimation? Care?

 

[WRASSER]

Do not let it touch any air, the part that does get exposed to the air will probably die off.

 

[Anonymous]

As Wrasser posted, don't let it touch the air, otherwise acclimate as normal, nothing special. Most sponges don't fair well in tanks unless you supplement phytoplankton as the average tank doesn't produce enough food for these guys. Place it in an area of good but not blasting current, and watch it carefully for die off. If it does start to go, you can try and frag it (mixed results with that really dependant on the species) but get it the heck out of the tank as they will foul your system within hours. Don't let algae get a foothold on it because that almost spells doom.

I've used DT's phtyoplankton with great sucess, and have also grown my own with good results.

 

[WRASSER]

Lawdawg,
Can you feed the sponges MarineSnow? Also how do you prevent the algae from getting that foothold? If the algae starts how will oneself remove it from the sponge?

 

[Anonymous]

Lawdawg,
Can you feed the sponges MarineSnow? Also how do you prevent the algae from getting that foothold? If the algae starts how will oneself remove it from the sponge?

I guess you can try it, I've never used the stuff so I can't say whether it will work or not as I don't know what's in it. I do know that DTs has worked well for me. The best preventative for algae growth is to keep the sponge healthy, in indirect light if possible and under moderate current.

Stopping it once it starts is tricky, but if you see it starting increase flow and move the sponge out of the light. As far as fragging it off, again it is a last resort and not always sucessful.

 

[WRASSER]

MarineSnow is a Planktonic food for filter feeders, it says it has Aggregates known as marinesnow. It is suppose to be plankton like food.
So it sounds like I have to find a seller for DT :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

How much light is needed for success?

 

[WRASSER]

Light isnt really an issue with sponges, most come from deep water. They are not photosynthises, they are filter feeders. :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Light isnt really an issue with sponges, most come from deep water. They are not photosynthises, they are filter feeders. :wink:

True 'dat.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys!

I'll make sure I feed him well. I have some marine snow.