Grape Caulerpa? Bubble Algae? - please help identify

[AquAttila]

Hi, I have been battling these two type of algae in my sump and wouldn't worry about it if I actually did not use sump as QT for corals. I am thinking that one is a grape caulerpa and other is bubble algae. I need to act on this quick as it looks like the one that looks like bubble algae has taken over a nice zoe rock!

 

[ca1ore]

Agree …. first picture is bubble algae, latter two are grape caulerpa. Both are problematic. I have clumps of bubble algae in my system, but wouldnt let caulerpa anywhere near it.

 

[AquAttila]

thanks! so because this is in my sump, don't see in main tank yet I will try to empty sump and clean manually. It will be a pain but sounds like this is probably the best option. I hate to use any chemicals, but read that vibrant is a good option. I can't recall if vibrant is one that will help with bubble algae.

 

[Mike N]

thanks! so because this is in my sump, don't see in main tank yet I will try to empty sump and clean manually. It will be a pain but sounds like this is probably the best option. I hate to use any chemicals, but read that vibrant is a good option. I can't recall if vibrant is one that will help with bubble algae.

Vibrant should help with bubble algae, but it does have its drawbacks. Manual removal sounds like the way to go if its confined to your sump.

 

[PicassoClown04]

Bubble algae has been awful for me... gets into my pumps then I have to take the whole thing apart to clean it out. Get some emerald crabs and get it out!!

 

[AquAttila]

yea, I am worried this stuff will get into my main system soon! when you said vibrant has drawbacks, can you tell me the major one. Honestly, I am worried that the stuff would kill beneficial bacteria or even coralline. This tank has been up almost 2 years, so don't want to reset the clock on cycling again, etc. What would be the cause of bubble algae? I am keeping nutrients somewhat low as nitrates around 15 - 20 and PO4 at around .25.

 

[PicassoClown04]

Don’t know what causes it honestly, I think it might just get in on frags and stuff, seems kind of unavoidable. Emerald crabs seem to be a pretty good way to control it, just try to get smaller specimens and watch your corals, they have a tendency to pick at sps sometimes

 

[AquAttila]

ok, cool. thanks... will pick up some emerald crabs, but will of course clean and hopefully the crabs will help keep under control.