sponge toxicity

[Liz]

I have a small amount of sponge that came in on some LR, which is dying off. Do I have to remove the sponge manually or can I let it die off and keep carbon running in my filter to get the toxins?

WILL carbon get the toxins?

[RothChyld]

If its truly a small amount then I would let it go and let your biological filtration take care of it. As always monitor your parameters for adverse affects. I would hope the biological filtration is strong enough to handle something so minute.

[Liz]

So it'll just contribute to my nitrogen stuff? It'll be the same as any decaying matter?
I thought they had some other kind of toxin in them.

[Crown Royal]

The toxicity given off by warring corals (esp. LPS) in a crowded reef tank is far more potent than that of a dead sponge.

Running carbon is the usual solution to this chemical warfare.