Help me ID this.......sponge??
 

So I have oodles of these in my tank, typically behind or under rocks away from the light. It seems that some are white and some are dark blue/black. I moved my power heads around which blew this one to the front, but some are 10" long. I'm not bothered by them - just wondering if anyone else has seen them. Sorry about the crappy phone pictures.

http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/...s9f68d34f.jpeg

http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/...sf271feb1.jpeg

I have some that are similar but not as long. Mine are yellow and like yours they grow in the shaded areas. I was told they are a type of sponge and harmless. Mine just sprouted up a few months ago when I increased my salinity a bit.

sponge
 

cryptic sponges-come in all colours.how's your nitrates?

Looks like the "evil" sponge(as I like to call it). This stuff stings me when I touch it and makes me super itchy.

Funny you should ask. My nitrates have been an ongoing battle since i moved my tank 7 months ago. I've always had only 'trace' readings prior to then, but now I cant get them lower than 10, and they are usually sitting around 20. You think the 2 are related?

Haha. I've had that happen to me in the past with other tanks. This stuff is totally fine though. I can grab it with no itching afterwards.

nitrates
 

build yourself a nitrate reactor.

I have.....still high though, but I've only had it running for a week. I might start vodka dosing. I have been reading about it for a while now.

reactors
 

it takes about a month to see any results.the bacteria need time to amass

you can slightly brush your hand to it and it won't sting but if you put any pressure yes it will feel like a burn. I have been stung a few times but this is one of my favorite sponge. It is very beautiful when producing many structures going upward.

I wonder why we feed the sting? chimical maybe?

They do protect themselves.

Anyone not wanting the stuff, please ship it to me. I'll pay for the shipping.