Disgusting stuff growing in sump

It's funny how stuff can go unnoticed until there is so much you can't help, but notice it. They look like roots from a plant. Why does it grow in the sump, but not the main tank?

 

It's sponge and it like a cryptic environment. Dark with probably an over abundance of pods and all suspended small particles have to make a trip through there, nom nom!

 

Not as much competition for space in your sump would be my guess.

 

Sponge?? I seen what they call pineapple sponge, but that worm looking root stuff is sponge also? It's starting to grow right to the pump. Should I let it grow by the pump?

 

"the chains of a bad habit are to weak to be felt until they are to strong to be broken"

this said what you have growing there is not a habit let alone a bad one! +1 with corailline ID. i use to have fun spending several moments looking at the nuclear sized amphipods scurrying around in my macro algae in my old sump set up...sigh i miss those days.....

 

Sponges grow in all shapes, sizes and colors in the marine environment. All but a few are completely harmless. It has been my experience that as a tank ages as in years, sponges growth usually slows unless a tank is highly feed.