Red Ball Sponge w/ Encrusting Zoas

[Kuli_Loach]

Any info on these would be greatly appreciated! I think I am going to order one. I think I am going to feed it marine snow and invert food, would that work? How often?

[Fishguy2727]

Not sure about the zoas.

Obviously the red ball sponge needs to remain submerged at all times. If there is doubt that this has been maintained or if you know it hasn't then what frequently works is to cut down the sponge down as much as possible to the rock. This usually removes the affected areas that have bubbles in them and even a little remnants on the rock will regrow. I have heard that in small tanks or those with lots of small bubbles that even the small bubbles in the water can cause problems for the sponges.

Marine Snow should be good, but you may want a couple other food options on hand too just in case.

[Kuli_Loach]

I am trying two or three types of foods. The guy I am ordering it from told me a few things about acclimating them. He said they "CAN" be exposed to air for brief periods of time and it is his career doing stuff like this. He said just to temp. acclimate it and then place it in the tank. I was wondering on feeding them.

[Fishguy2727]

I have never heard that before. I personally would not risk it. Someone with a lot of experience like that may know exactly how much they can take, or be able to recognise it much sooner when they do start to have problems from it, but I would not risk it after spending my hard earned money on it.

I think the marine snow and other coral and filter feeder foods would be best, just give a few a try and see what works.

What has he been feeding them?