Cleaning the live rock.

[Chase_SATX]

So today I decided my 72 gallon bowfront was due for some much needed live rock cleaning. I have had some whitish/grey growth on the rock and I was hoping someone could help me figure out what it was and if it was something I needed to be worried about. I also became a red bristle worm killer today but I wasn't sure if they are the kind of bristle worms that can do some harm or are beneficial. I literally killed probably 30 or so cleaning 1/3 of the live rock. The biggest ones were about 3 inches or so. Any info about what the growth on the live rock is and the bristle worms is greatly appreciated everyone!

[rocketeer]

Maybe somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the white stuff is just sponge. It's harmless. I'm pretty tolerant of bristle worms too. They eat detritus. Your tank looks pretty pristine in the pictures. How long has it been running? Be happy you don't have cyano or hair algae.

Jack

[Chase_SATX]

Is the sponge beneficial? I've been scrubbing it off because it's kind of ugly, should I leave it alone? I also have been killing the bristle worms because I understand certain kinds like to attack fish. I'm new to this and these are probably stupid questions.

[Flyride95]

Yes leave the sponge.


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[jroescher]

Unless the bristle worms get really big they are safe. If you see one eating something it's likely because it was already dead.


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[johnsutter71]

sponge is a natural filter that is great for the tank and also a sign that your tank is healthy. the Bristles are good as they eat fish waste. From the looks of your tank and sand it doesn't look like you've had it very long. I don't see any Coralline algae which is a byproduct of a well established and healthy tank. Give it a couple more years and then you will have a whole lot of other issues to worry about. Your sand bed looks pretty deep and that can cause long term issues. Make sure you get something that can sift through it like a Goby or some brittle stars. Also I would recommend lots of Cerith and Nassarius snails to help. I've read different articles about live rock becoming less effective as a natural filter in an aged tank but I can't really say for sure. My tank is about 3 years established and I don't ever check my parameters other then my salt levels. I just go by how well my corals and fish look. I might do a 20% water change every few months and empty and clean my skimmer as needed. I have found that the less I disturb my tank the better my corals and fish do. I do feed my fish a fair amount of food every day but I have a couple hundred snails and a big refugium.

[Chase_SATX]

Thanks for the info everyone. The picture I put in of the tank is at least a year old, I accidentally put in an old photo. I wish the water was that clear right now. Its good to know that the sponge is beneficial, its still kind of ugly though. So I guess I will leave the bristle worms alone for now as long as they dont end up like this guy!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-JWkiIozGI

[johnsutter71]

That guy is ugly. As long as you throw a wrasse or 2 in your tank they usually won't get that big. My 6 line keeps mine under control.

[rocketeer]

Holy Cow!!! Great video. Could that be the same species as we usually get? I've been going 15 years and haven't had that problem. Got plenty of bristle worms though.

Jack