Bubble Algae Issue

[awashburn82]

What is the best way to remove bubble algae?

 

[flchamp89]

If you can remove it manually that's a win. If possible do it outside the display. If there's a lot use vac.

 

[Silent]

Manual, by hand.

 

[Lorenzo Angotti]

Yes manually if possible without popping them as they will spread their spores, if manually, have a battery vac close by to suck up any debris. I’ve heard emerald crabs can do the job but if you have a clean up crew it could go after them dead or alive, as well as soft coral polyps.

 

[BeejReef]

A toothbrush and a water change syphon has worked reasonably well for me. One of the softer bristle ones seems to loosen its grip without popping too many... then try to siphon out the debris floating in the water.

Have also had fair success with emerald crabs, but it's a lot like snails and hair algae. They do a good job of keeping it from getting established, but once there is a good clump, not so much. They seem to prefer the bubbles young and tender. Really fun to watch though.

 

[Mike N]

If there is only a little bit, remove by hand ASAP.
I would also recommend buying emerald crabs from reefcleaners.org as they are guaranteed to eat bubble algae. Emeralds bought from other sources were hit or miss in my experience.

 

[Uwharrie]

So I have a small Puffer who will eat any inverts. How else can I remove? the algae is on one rock. will a peroxide dip work?

 

[Reefcowboy]

I use aipitasia X. Drop over them with pumps shut off and leave it for about 20 mins. Resume pumps and you will see they turn white and die off within three days or so. I dont try removing as some bubbles will pop and relocate/worsen the problem. My tank is going on 2 years and no signs of bubble anywhere. When I spot one I use this medication and im clear of the issue

 

[SimplyVibing]

I have a ton of bubble algae in my display tank. My mom thinks it’s a type of coral lol. If it’s gotten to the point where you just want to control it/stop it from getting out of hand, a Halloween urchin eats bubble algae voraciously. No fish will mess with an urchin, and the Halloween urchin doesn’t need much space.

 

[Mical]

rabbitfish/foxface

 

[Uwharrie]

So all my bubble is on a zoa rock. I thought about just taking it out and cleaning them off then doing a fresh rinse. or peroxide dip but not sure if that will harm the zoas

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ive had total luck using liquid vibrant