LR Hitchhikers?

[SaltwaterNoob17]

I set-up my new 47 gallon aquarium with LR from two local reefers. The LR looks good, but there are a few things that I haven't seen before and need you all's help identifying...

First off, several pieces of LR had what seems to be some sort of white sponge on it. I scrubbed a lot of it off before putting it in the new aquarium because I was worried it might be harmful. Apparently, I missed some spots though. What do you guys think? Sponge? Harmless or Harmful?

I thought sponges died when exposed to air, and these survived a two-hour drive home. They also seem to be surviving cycling the new tank...

Also, is this a mussel, or what?

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

Here's another pic of the sponge things. Disregard the majano in the center, I executed him already...

 

[ErinCahir]

The sponge is just that... sponge.
I get the clear/white stuff growing in the shaded areas of my tank.

I have no idea on your other hitchhiker, though...

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

But is the sponge bad? I've heard that some sponges smother corals...?

 

[ErinCahir]

I've never had a problem with mine, because they don't like the light...

 

[little_fish]

I have never heard of a sponge smothering a coral, and i do think that is some sort of bivalve. Probably nothing to worry about

Also, with the sponges its not a fast death from air exposure. What happens is that air gets in their pores, and then they cant move water through them so they end up starving to death

 

[Bifferwine]

Most sponges are not fast growing enough to pose any danger to corals. If it is growing faster than you want, they are easy to pick off and remove.