How to Attach Sponges to Live Rock

Although sea sponges look like plants, and were once classified as such, they are actually animals. There are more than 5,000 species of sponge, divided into three subspecies. All sponges have the same needs, however: good water circulation, a source of food and an attachment to a solid surface as its base. Since sponges aren't highly active, attaching to a rock is something that sometimes needs to be done for them.

Things You'll Need

  • Rock
  • Toothpick
  • Tank-safe epoxy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach a plastic toothpick to the rock, sharp side out, using a tank-safe epoxy like Aqua Mend (available at home and garden shops). Do this while the rock is out of the water, and allow the epoxy to dry. Keep in mind that live rock will die if it's out of the water for too long, so don't leave it out any longer than absolutely necessary for the epoxy to dry adequately.

    • 2

      Put the live rock back into the water. Gently slide the base of the sponge onto the toothpick, and push until the base of the sponge is touching the rock. The sponge will grow around the toothpick and onto the rock.

    • 3

      Monitor the sponge. Although it should receive plenty of water circulation for feeding, too much movement may knock the sponge off the toothpick and cause damage.