Bubble Algae?

[saltnewb]

So I think I have a patch of bubble algae, but wanted to make sure. Also, if it is what I think, what is the best way to get rid of it? It is on a small piece of LR and can easily be removed for scrubbing if that's easiest and best. That amazing mushroom is still on a frag plug, so it won't be bothered and will stay in the tank.

Thanks!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

yea, looks like red valonia. Red bubble algae. Kinda nasty.

 

[saltnewb]

yea, looks like red valonia. Red bubble algae. Kinda nasty.

Any tips on removing it without spreading it?

 

[Best Fish-Jake]

I'd take it out, scrub with a toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly with tank water.. you may want to drop a couple emerald crabs in

 

[saltnewb]

will do after work for sure. what do emerald crabs eat? i'm guessing they eat bubble algae? are they safe with zoanthids?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Any tips on removing it without spreading it?

Take it out of the tank and scrub. Rinse it in tank water VERY well and youll be ok.
You can use a little hydrogen peroxide in the water too.

Not sure Id recommend the crab for control. They keep the green type mowed down, but they do pop the bubbles. Some types of red bubble algae are really quite bad.

 

[bigroost]

As bad as mine got, I would take the rock out and chip that part off. That being said once it was all over my tank vibrant did a good job of getting rid of it.

 

[Best Fish-Jake]

Emerald crabs are omnivores.. they'll eat bubble/hair algaes as well as any prepared foods you care to feed (they're great scavengers)

 

[Best Fish-Jake]

Emerald crabs are omnivores.. they'll eat bubble/hair algaes as well as any prepared foods you care to feed (they're great scavengers)

Reef safe as well... they are opportunistic crabs so if they don't get enough to eat, they will go after other inverts. (I have 2 in my 30g that I never target feed and they don't bother anything) I'd go with smaller ones as larger emeralds are prone to crawling on sps/ targeting weak fish

 

[saltnewb]

Thanks for the info. I'll be taking it out tomorrow morning and rubbing it down with some elbow grease! I'll let ya know if it comes back or if it runs for the deep ocean.