Bubble algae survey

[jerl77]

They say don't pop the bubble algae because it will spread.
But they say get some emerald crabs to control it but don't the crabs pop it to eat it? And I believe a rabbit fish will pop it in there mouth too. So what's the real deal with the bubble algae myths?

 

[pattyreef]

I read emerald crabs work but dont they also go after corals? If it isnt one thing its another ugh

 

[jerl77]

I think it's hit and miss with them but they pop the algae to eat it so what's the difference with me popping it
Everybody says don't pop the algae

 

[wish]

I think they eat them faster than you can notice them but you still have them in the cracks where the fish can't get into

 

[ChristopherKriens]

This is one of those things that gets parrotted, but probably has little basis in empiricism. Sure it spreads if you pop it– it spreads if you don't pop it too.

 

[jerl77]

This is one of those things that gets parrotted, but probably has little basis in empiricism. Sure it spreads if you pop it– it spreads if you don't pop it too.

Good point lol

 

[Chris Adams]

Red is a dang nightmare, green I had much better luck with removing. The emerald crabs if your lucky consume them as they pop up so even thought they are popping them they will eventually clean it up hopefully/maybe.

I have had success eradicating green from a tank . Only a 30gl and most rocks could be removed and cleaned(always best idea if possible) when seen, but the wife and I also worked together to remove from the DT. She would hold the siphon and I would pop them off with a knife.

 

[jerl77]

Wonder if a double filter sock would stop the Spores

 

[SantaMonicaHelp]

Sorry to hear about your uncertainty. Hope all turns out fine

~CI

 

[Triggreef]

After getting rid of a bunch of Good size tangs, bubble algae exploded in my tank. New tangs haven't touched it. It is a 200g so I bought 40 emerald crabs. Barely made a dent. Added 20 of the red Mithrax crabs. These seem better. It's definitely made a difference but there is still a ways to go. I see emerald crabs climb spa and dig through ZOA colonies. If you really watch them though, they chase the polyps as they close up but no real damage is caused. The red crabs seem to go more for the algae and less for the corals.

I have also noticed that if I pop the bubbles but leave them in, the tangs will eat them more. They don't seem to be able to pop them in order to eat them though.

Many say foxface is the best tool, but I also read they go for ZOA's so I'm reluctant.