Sponge Propagation

[Nick James]

I was looking to find info on propogating the smaller encrusting sponges you find as hitchhikers on love rock. I want to share it with someone as it would be beneficial for him to have in his tank.

Here are some photos of the various sponges I have growing. The cryptic dark purple and brown looking sponges that hide underneath are not included but they are plentiful in my rock.











Can any of these sponges be easily propagated?

 

[zoomster]

I have tons of the yellow and translucent sponges as well and 1 really cool gloss black one!
I am not sure about propagating them but I do know that if you take them out of the water they will die within minutes!
If you want to share, perhaps the best way may be to part with a whole but small rock that has some? bagging it without taking it out of the water of course.

 

[Nick James]

I am curious if you chip a piece off while under water if it would grow in another location or if you could stick it somewhere else. Or would this kill the sponge. My rocks are all pretty big (for my Biocube) and I don't want to take any of my main pieces out.

 

[Sewerat]

Just rip off stuff keep it wet and move it quickly. It will spread. I've lifted it out of tank dropped in bucket then placed in sump and it's fine.

 

[Nick James]

Awesome, did it end up encrusting onto a new rock after the move?

 

[Sewerat]

It has in the past, still waiting for this one but it looks like it has. Fresh move just after smash when I swapped sumps out


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[Nick James]

Thanks I'll give it a go and let everyone know how it went.

 

[Sewerat]

Just keep it out of the air for as short a time as possible.


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[Nick James]

Just keep it out of the air for as short a time as possible.

I'll probably pop it in a small bag under water.

 

[Nick James]

Just keep it out of the air for as short a time as possible.

I'll probably pop it in a small bag under water.

 

[Seggsy]

DOH! Changing out my rockwork right now - old stuff had tons of sponges, and I never thought of keeping any. Grrrrrrrrr

 

[Nick James]

http://tolweb.org/treehouses/?treehouse_id=3431

Sponge reproduction info...

 

[AdInfinitum]

Hard to tell from the pic but that grey one looks like bad news to me. Possibly an invasive type that will overgrow corals. Not that hard to deal with but keep an eye on it especially if you have Z&P that it can grow into.

 

[Nick James]

Hard to tell from the pic but that grey one looks like bad news to me. Possibly an invasive type that will overgrow corals. Not that hard to deal with but keep an eye on it especially if you have Z&P that it can grow into.

Do you mean the second to last pic? I have seen pics of it that made me think it could be as well.

 

[AdInfinitum]

Do you mean the second to last pic? I have seen pics of it that made me think it could be as well.

Actually second last and the last one need to be watched.