Bad sponge?

[ViperDoug]

I have 3 of theses green sponges in one area of my tank. Anyone know if they are good or bad?

 

[whippetguy]

Looks cool, I've found sponges to be pretty harmless. As long as its not impinging on coral grounds, I'd keep it. In fact, I have a ricordea growing right on top of a black sponge in my tank.

 

[ViperDoug]

Thanks! There are three of them and they have been there for about a month or so. My concern car this past weekend. They are right near a beautiful ricordea garden I have (had) and the other day a few of the Rick shriveled up. Two of them completely disappeared. Nothing else in the tank is struggling and parameters were right on when I check ammonia, trates, trites, and phosphates. Only this section of the tank seemed to have anything affected. I also have a pistol shrimp living amongst the rics. Any chance him or my flame angel are eating the rics?

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

The sponges are harmless filter feeders - on the flame, it is possible - Reef Compatible: With Caution - The Flame Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles.

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Flame Angelfish

You would not be the 1st to lose some corals to a flame, there are several different varieties of flames.

 

[kmaintl]

harmless sponges... comes in different colors as hitchhikers.

 

[ViperDoug]

Good to know on the sponges. I guess i have something else going on with my rics. Wierd part is that only that small corner of the tank has anything affected. All other corals are looking great.