[optical]

Recently, i noticed an outbreak of these little white fuzzy creatures all over the underside of the rocks. They range from about the size of a bb to a pea. They have a round base with a few small feather duster like radiole extruding from it. What the heck are these things, theres hundreds of em all over! Im sure someone already posted a thread on this topic, but im new to the site so sorry if its redundant.

[dayze9]

I've noticed these in my refugium and sump. I think they're baby aptasia anemone. I get them whenever I try to pull one out or kill one. Now I just use pepperment shrimp to get rid of them.

[charlesr1958]

I would say from your description that they are most likely pineapple sponges, if you check the sponge section of my hitchhikers page, you will see an example.

Chuck

[Samper]

definately not aiptasia

[My2heartboys]

Originally Posted by charlesr1958

I would say from your description that they are most likely pineapple sponges, if you check the sponge section of my hitchhikers page, you will see an example.

Chuck

Chuck, I would guess that you are correct. I noticed that I had quite a few in my in tank refugium--pod motel today. These are a good thing as it means that the tank is maturing and they will also help filter the water (definately a good thing).

I could be wrong on the mature tank thing---but I think I am remembering my information correctly.

Anne

[optical]

Hey Chuck- i looked it up and they are definetly pineapple sponges.
thanks for the help. i guess its good to have them, but im talking tens of thousands of them all in my overflow! sheesh! oh well, no harm no foul right.

[Mini_Reef]

I have a LOT of those too....
If I remember right, they started out looking like little red "buds".
Then after a few weeks, I started seeing little white tufts everywhere!
Now I find them growing on the underside of all my rocks, even on my powerhead!

[Reefland]

Just good biodiversity.

[BubbaWPB]

Originally Posted by Mini_Reef

I have a LOT of those too....
If I remember right, they started out looking like little red "buds".
Then after a few weeks, I started seeing little white tufts everywhere!
Now I find them growing on the underside of all my rocks, even on my powerhead!

I think the "little red buds" are more likely foraminiferans (but impossible to tell without at least a photo). They are not the same as pineapple sponges, but tend to grow in the same areas of the tank as each other.

[Mini_Reef]

Interesting.....I don't have any of them anymore. Where they had been, now I have those pineapple sponges.

[reseter5]

i am damn glad i joied this site... i have these pineapple sponges.. i also tought they were aiptasia... these things are everywere.... since they are good .. i guess i am doing something right

[Reefland]

People are mentioning good and I think it is important to clarify. They are not harmful but an abundance of them could be a sign of excessive nutrients available allowing them to dominate in presence. Good in this case means they aren't harmful and are a good sign of biodiversity. However the large amounts being mentioned might be indicative of a lack of husbandry.

[reseter5]

are you aware of anyway to eliminate some or all of these.. or perhaps some natural predators to eat them? thanks

[Reefland]

No, I am not. I would not worry about removing them with a predator or even manually, I would just make sure that the water quality was as good as possible and let it ride.

[reseter5]

all water conditions are fine.. i will keep the site informed.....thanks