What is this growing on my rock

[crazymman]

I got home from work today and there is some white fungus looking stuff growing rapidly on my rock anyone know what this is? It's spreading really fast.

 

[Smitty]

Sounds like q-tip sponges, or pineapple sponges.

 

[crazymman]

Is it bad?

 

[Bifferwine]

Sponge are not bad. They are harmless filter feeders.

 

[crazymman]

It looks like white mold.

 

[crazymman]

It's spreading real fast. Is it gonna take over all the rock?

 

[Smitty]

Chances are you have more of them that you don't know of, but like Biff stated, they're harmless

 

[Bifferwine]

It's probably just white sponge. If it's spreading fast and you are worried, pull it off and throw it away.

 

[crazymman]

O you've never heard of any bad molds?

 

[crazymman]

Aren't spounges real slow growers? This has showed up like over night.

 

[Bifferwine]

Molds don't grow underwater on rocks.

Look at these. Are these what you have?

http://www.melevsreef.com/id/scypha.jpg
http://www.3reef.com/forums/attachments/live-rock/5847d1155935653-what-my-rock-white-sponge-2.jpg
http://www.seaslugforum.net/images/m22162a.jpg
https://www.livingreefs.com/attachments/820d1227235259-algae-identification-help-sponge.jpg

If so, those are harmless sponges.

 

[crazymman]

Haha guess it's not mold then. It doesent really look like any of that but maybe cause it's so new. I guess I'll just let it grow and see what it looks like I'll try to post a pic later.

 

[Bifferwine]

Yes, definitely post a pic! Then we'll be able to ID it for sure.

 

[reeffreak]

Sounds like decaying matter or the fungi(whatever it called) that feeds on it.

 

[crazymman]

I think that may be it. The rock I got with the setup has quite a bit of dead what looks like algae. If it it a fungus what should I do about it? I touched it and it feels slippery and slimey. Not spoungey. The rocks do have coraline algae on them.

 

[crazymman]

Heres some pics of the white stuff growing on my rock.
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad230/crazymman/Live Rock/DSCN0356.jpg
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad230/crazymman/Live Rock/DSCN0357.jpg

 

[crazymman]

any ideas?

 

[reeffreak]

Take the rock out and scrub it with a toothbrush.Rinse it in fresh saltwater and put it back in.

 

[crazymman]

you know what it is?

 

[Bifferwine]

It looks like sponge.