What is this?? Please help ID

[nikkinchip]

Hello all.

I am very new to Maast and to saltwater ownership.
I purchased a 2 year established 46g bowfront tank that included all the LR. I even took the original water. It's been set up now for over 2 months. I waited two weeks to make sure that my water parameters were good before I added one Percula clown and one small Blue Hippo. I also have about 4-5 hermit crabs and 5 peppermint shirmp that were just added a few weeks ago. I've noticed this weird cluster of clear/white tubes growing on my LR. I took a pic and showed the LFS but the person could not I it.

What started as one small cluster is spread to about 5 seperate clusters throughout the different rock. I have not tried to remove any of it because I would like to know first what the heck it is. Neither the crabs or shirmp seem to want to eat it.

Could someone possibly help me with this weird stuff. I have googled my heart out but can't seem to find anything that resembles this stuff.

Thanks so much.
Nikki

46g
55g Aqueon Filter
and large powerhead

12084
12085

[Europhyllia]

looks like just some kind of sponge to me. I like the sponges under the rocks. sort of hold the structure together and help with filtration.

[nikkinchip]

12086



This is another picture of a different cluster. If this is sponges, are they good or bad?

[tebstan]

They're good. They're filter feeders, most kinds are harmless. Some varieties grow so quickly they can crowd out some zoas, but the kind you've got there doesn't seem to be that kind. Even the fast growing nuisance ones are easy to deal with. I have some pink stuff that is really pretty, but once in a while (every few months) I have to rip out some chunks of it so it doesn't suffocate my zoas.

[littlewrentx]

I had a blue sponge colony once. Something ate it...