bubble algae preference

[mantis32]

So how do you deal with your bubble algae?

When you find that you can't gracefully remove the bubble.

Do you..

Watch it grow?

Pop it?

 

[ricwilli]

I can tell you that I had a big problem with bubble algae. What I did was purchased a canister filter (Magnum 350), filled it with carbon and a filter sock that comes with it and started vucuuming the bubble algae while trying not to burst them. I also purchased an Emerald Crab and have been free of bubble algae for two months.

 

[magic]

Used my siphon and a tooth brush. Held the tube over the rock and brushed. Don't break the bubbles that will release the spores and spread the algae. I have about 10 emerald crabs in my tank but they really don't control it, they actually tend to spread it by pinching the bubbles. You just have to have patience. I you do use a canister make sure the filter media is fine enough to trap the algae. Hope that helps.

Bob

 

[harryk]

i removed all my rocks and will be cooking them in the oven tomorrow to kill all my bubble algae. Once it takes over it's almost impossible to get rid of.

Harry

 

[AnDom1]

Get a couple of Emerald Crabs, preferably Males...They will get rid of bubble algae...The Males have larger, thicker looking claws....Worked like a charm for me...

Dom

 

[tangdude]

you can take out your rock and gently push the algae off of the rock. try not to break the bubbles. it comes off realy easy.

 

[Phyl]

BillyR has some really cool coraline encrusted bubbles in his 450. When you have a tank that big (and that deep), getting to the bubbles is not really very feasible.

 

[ebqwert]

I have serveral Emerald Crabs... I haven't and any bubble problems in years and I even see the crabs once in a while! Plus the kids love to take the shells to school after they molt.

Eric

 

[mantis32]

I think my snowflake eel ate my emerald crabs. Once he went in, few weeks later, I saw claw pieces laying around.

Some of the bubbles are deep within the tonga pieces and are hard to reach and once they grow between those holes, I am afraid I will break it by forcing it.

I'll pick up some more emeralds to see how the snowflake responds now.

I don't want to cook my rock as I will lose my sponges and other cool growth.

I have currently been using the siphon approach for the pieces of bubble that I have been able to remove.

If I ignore it, will it take over my tank?
Sounds like I'll forever be battling Aptasia and bubble algae.

 

[reefitup]

i removed all my rocks and will be cooking them in the oven tomorrow to kill all my bubble algae. Once it takes over it's almost impossible to get rid of.

Harry

Lunch at Harry's tomorrow! WOO HOO!! He's baking some rocks for us ;D

 

[Hawkeye]

I think my snowflake eel ate my emerald crabs. Once he went in, few weeks later, I saw claw pieces laying around.

Some of the bubbles are deep within the tonga pieces and are hard to reach and once they grow between those holes, I am afraid I will break it by forcing it.

I'll pick up some more emeralds to see how the snowflake responds now.

I don't want to cook my rock as I will lose my sponges and other cool growth.

I have currently been using the siphon approach for the pieces of bubble that I have been able to remove.

If I ignore it, will it take over my tank?
Sounds like I'll forever be battling Aptasia and bubble algae.

The snowflake (if big) can be a messy eater and may be introducing more nutrients than your system is handling - hence the growth of the algae. Anyways - take a read at this article: Bubble Algae: Description/Controls

The synopsis is basically this:
"1. Manual removal of the problem alga
2. Suppression via appropriate herbivores
3. Denial of resources"

It's rather detailed and interesting read. I've never had bubble algae so unfortunately this is all the info I can pass along. Good luck!