sponge and squirts

[kennyman]

Is anyone keeping sponges and or sea squirts? I like the look of them and though they might do well in my modestly lit reef tank. But I would like to hear some discussion by people with experience keeping them as to what their cultural requirements really are and what kind of problems can be expected with them.

[nelson]

Is anyone keeping sponges and or sea squirts? I like the look of them and though they might do well in my modestly lit reef tank. But I would like to hear some discussion by people with experience keeping them as to what their cultural requirements really are and what kind of problems can be expected with them.

I have one sea squirt in my highly lit tank but I believe they're comfortable in medium lit tanks as well.  I also have many sponges but they just see to appear with no help from me.

[gvv]

I have some sea squirts and sponges in the tank. I don't know why you are planning to grow them as they will get into as hitchikers, but should say that they are filter-fiders and not interested in light at all. Even more, all sponges are growing on the rocks that are not lighted.

Regards

[FishPassion]

If you are talkng about the bright orange sponges that are available at the LFS they have not lasted long in my tanks maybe 6 or 7 mths. True they are filter feeders, they require a high amount of water movement, prefer a shaded area in the tank, and should never be subjected to air. So if you purchase one and its lifted out of the tank, what will happen is the pores in the sponge fill with air and it will die in the near future. I have also found that sponges seem to cover in algae quickly also reducing the chances for this filter feeder to survive.
They are beautiful to see in your tank good luck if you get one let us know how you make out.

[kennyman]

It sounds like they need a special spot to thrive. Out of the direct light yet supplied with enough current to keep them clean. As a filter feeder I guess things like Reef mist, cyclop ez and other such things are fine for them. Same feeding as my sun polyps then?