Bubble algae removal-Let’s Hear it

[KKerm2]

Hey all,

Bubble algae has been something I’ve dealt with for years, but it never got horrible and I’ve let well enough alone. I upgraded 6 months ago, and have noticed it spreading pretty rapidly. I do know about emerald crabs, but I worry about them possible nipping at coral. I know they shouldn’t, but you never know. I also have a flame hawkfish that I am not sure if it would go after the emerald? Thoughts?

What other means of removal can I use? Occasionally during water changes I will try to suction, scrape them off without popping them.

Thanks all!

 

[Mike N]

I had plague like proportions of bubble algae. I threw so many emeralds from different LFS's and other places at it and had no virtually no luck. The emeralds would just ignore the bubble algae and find other food sources. Then I ordered like 6 emeralds from @reefcleaners and they completely obliterated it in a couple weeks. (He has a money back guarantee they will eat the stuff and they absolutely do)

If you want to try fish, I'd suggest a foxface. They're not completely reef safe, so they were never an option for me.

 

[trmiv]

In my experience emeralds mainly like the smaller bubble algae. They won’t touch the big pieces. So when I had a bubble algae problem on my last tank, I went in and popped/removed every decent size bubble algae I could access. Then I threw in 4 emeralds and they went after the rest and cleared it out.

 

[jtl]

Perseverance and nipping it in the bud was my solution. I am of the belief that puncturing the bubble ( which is what the crabs do) will spread the algae. Carefully remove the bubbles with a tweezer and never let it get out of hand.

 

[ianryd]

When possible I remove the rock its growing on, remove the algae, hit the area it was growing with hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes then rinse it with RODI and put it back in the tank. Ive been able to keep it under control with this method. The key is killing it before it spreads, and not popping the bubble in tank.

 

[Mike N]

In my experience emeralds mainly like the smaller bubble algae. They won’t touch the big pieces.

Mine didn't discriminate, they ate it all.
I could see how popping the big ones would help them out. I never did though.

 

[KKerm2]

Do we think that a couple of emeralds in my 50g mixed reef would be safe? It is barebottom, with your typical mixed reef. Couple lower light sps, lobo, Tracey, toadstool, zoas, acans, ducan etc.

A tiny tomini tang, pair of clowns, flame hawkfish, flame angel, and a purple pseudo are the fish inhabitants. Not sure if hawkfish cover just ornamental shrimp, or crabs as well?

 

[sfin52]

I pull the rock flat head screw driver and pry them up gently. I rinse in one bucket of water and than rinse in a second and put back in the tank.

 

[KKerm2]

Sadly it’s more than just taking a rock out. They have spread pretty rapidly at this point

 

[Mike N]

I think you're safe to add more than that if you want. I used 5-6 in my 40g. I guess it depends on the level of infestation and how quickly you want it gone.