Dataset: Elemental ratios in Western Pacific sclerosponges

A complete description of the collection and experimental methods is available in Grottoli et al. (2010). In brief, six A. wellsi sclerosponges were identified between 11.5 and 18 m depths along the wall at Short Drop Off, Palau. The specimens were stained with Alizarin Red on 26 July 2001, re-cemented onto the reef at a common depth of 11 m depth using Splash Zone marine epoxy, and allowed to grow out past the stain line for 2 years. In Saipan, three A. wellsi identified at 6 m depth and four A. willeyana sclerosponges identified between 7 and 9 m depth were stained with Alizarin Red on 15 July 2001, re-cemented onto the reef at a common depth of 8.3 m depth with marine epoxy, and allowed to grow out past the stain line for 2 years. On 15 July 2003 and 11 July 2003 all of the specimens were collected from Palau and Saipan, respectively, and were returned to the lab for further analysis.