freshwater sponges anyone?

[mellowvision]

I haven't seen this before. it looks awesome.
http://www.aristocratama.com/gallery/sponge.html

 

[mellowvision]

hey jinx, can you get the sponge from your exporter? http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1072

 

[The Zigman]

Hmmm.
your avitar makes me hungry.

 

[toddnbecka]

It does look awesome, but unfortunately FW sponges aren't maintainable in aquariums.

 

[mellowvision]

why not?

 

[toddnbecka]

Their environmental requirements (chemicals, trace elements, etc.) are too complex to be practically duplicated. It is possible in the laboratory, but the cost is ridiculous.

 

[vampie]

I occasionally hear about people who keep these in aquariums.. never really hear from them much though. Those are native ones though.

 

[jpappy789]

Interesting.

 

[Jag1980]

Their environmental requirements (chemicals, trace elements, etc.) are too complex to be practically duplicated. It is possible in the laboratory, but the cost is ridiculous.

Who has proof of what is missing that can't be maintained in the aquarium

Rabbit Snails are super cool, make me want to get 3 of each!

 

[toddnbecka]

That's what someone who had grown FW sponges in a lab posted on another (no longer active) forum a while back. As for proof, try it if you like.
Come to think of it, do SW sponges live in aquariums?