Can you dip photosynthetic sponges?

[LordJoshaeus]

I understand that the non photosynthetic sponges available in the hobby cannot be dipped because you cannot remove them from the water without killing them, but what about photosynthetic sponges? Is there any way you can dip them to remove algae or perhaps other pests that could infest one's tank? The only thing I know about photosynthetic sponges and medication is that chemiclean (which you wouldn't simply dip them in anyway) kills them (not really a surprise, as apparently photosynthetic sponges typically use cyanobacteria as their symbionts). Thanks

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

I would say no. Sponges are very delicate invertabrates, and most dips are pretty harsh.

 

[twentyleagues]

Sponges should not be exposed to air so I would guess not.

 

[LordJoshaeus]

I would say no. Sponges are very delicate invertabrates, and most dips are pretty harsh.

Fair...oh well.

Sponges should not be exposed to air so I would guess not.

Most or all of the photosynthetic sponges I have seen for sale online are safe to briefly remove from the water (Gulf Coast Ecosystems carries a purple one, for example). Air exposure is definitely an issue for all the non photosynthetic sponges available in the hobby, though.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Probably not wise to dip them - with regards to the air exposure thing:

Some sponges may not handle air exposure (this is currently up for some debate), but a number of sponges are completely fine being exposed to air for literally hours at a time:

I've heard this too, but I strongly question the validity of it because numerous sponge species are found in the intertidal zone and are exposed to air with every low tide (see the link below). That said, it's possible that it may be able to cause problems for some species (see the quote below), but your method of releasing the air bubbles is what I would've done/suggested anyway as a precaution.

Again, I personally doubt this is actually an issue. This subject reminds me of the confirmedly false myth that starfish die when exposed to air; in reality they only die from prolonged air exposure, similar to how we humans die from prolonged water exposure (submersion). For starfish, a quick trip through the air won't kill it, and I'd imagine the same holds true for most (if not all) sponges.

So, I'd assume that as long as your tank can provide the proper environment and care for the sponge, it'll recover from any problems.

Splendid Sponges (Intertidal)

An interactive guide to the intertidal sponges of New Zealand.

niwa.co.nz

With regards to sponges dying when exposed to air, my understanding is that they essentially get air trapped inside their structure and slowly desiccate and/or starve from not being able to continuously filter the water in and out of their body. I wonder if this condition could be treated successfully using methods similar to how one "burps" a clam or a nautilus (i.e. I'm curious if slowly rotating it 360 degrees underwater multiple times would help relieve the problem/release the air from inside the sponge). I suppose with a sponge you would likely need to rotate it 360 degrees in a number of different directions (i.e. top to bottom, side to side, diagonals, etc.) and/or possibly expose it to some flow while "burping" it to help dislodge any bubbles in the spicules, but - in my mind/in theory at least - it seems like it would help.