diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_sponges/init.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_sponges/init.lua
index 52680e178..738195348 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_sponges/init.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_sponges/init.lua
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ function mcl_sponges.absorb(pos)
 			for k=-3,3 do
 				pos = {x=pos.x+i, y=pos.y+j, z=pos.z+k}
 				node = minetest.get_node(pos)
-				for name,def in mcl_sponges.registered_sponges do
+				for name,def in pairs(mcl_sponges.registered_sponges) do
 					if minetest.get_item_group(node.name, def.liquidgroup) ~= 0 then
 						minetest.add_node(pos, {name="air"})
 						change = true