HELP!!! Bubble algae out of control!

Brian Baker · Jun 6, 2019

So I went on vacation after moving to a new state (therefore I have no one I can trust to take care of my tank.) I went away for ten days and had an auto feeder for my tank. I knew I would have some hair algae when I got back but apparently I have bubble algae too. I can’t get to all of it and this is what I took out while doing a 35% water change.

Is there something I can dose the tank with that is reef safe?

James Mikell · Jun 6, 2019

Vibrant got rid of my bubble algae

Brian Baker · Jun 6, 2019

James Mikell said:
Vibrant got rid of my bubble algae

What is vibrant and where do I get it?

McFly · Jun 6, 2019

https://www.uwcmn.com/vibrant-liquid-aquarium-cleaner

There is a huge thread on this site about it. I tired it for other algae problems, not sure I would recommend.

James Mikell · Jun 6, 2019

Brian Baker said:
What is vibrant and where do I get it?

You can get it on amazon. Its where i got mine

Cmedeiros · Jun 6, 2019

emerald crabs eat bubble algae but your corals are way to small to risk that so...

MTBake · Jun 6, 2019

Manual removal will most likely be your best bet. I ziptied a stiff toothbrush to the end of a hose when I battled this in the past. I turned off the pumps, started the siphon through the hose and started breaking bubbles off rock work with the tooth brush. The back side of the brush worked well for knocking them loose without busting them open.

Brian Baker · Jun 6, 2019

MTBake said:
Manual removal will most likely be your best bet. I ziptied a stiff toothbrush to the end of a hose when I battled this in the past. I turned off the pumps, started the siphon through the hose and started breaking bubbles off rock work with the tooth brush. The back side of the brush worked well for knocking them loose without busting them open.

I understand that but there are some areas that I can’t get to so I guess I will be using that Vibrant stuff.

MTBake · Jun 6, 2019

Brian Baker said:
I understand that but there are some areas that I can’t get to so I guess I will be using that Vibrant stuff.

Totally get it. Bubble algae can really get outta hand. I had a terrible infestation in my last tank.

Let us know how the vibrant works out. I'm super curious myself.

snipersps · Jun 6, 2019

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/killing-bubble-algae-with-reef-hd-reef-flux.353069/

I use it on my reef tank 400 gallons.
I lost only few acros, but it is a good medicine for bubble algae

snipersps · Jun 6, 2019

Now I'm free of bubble algae

MTBake · Jun 6, 2019

snipersps said:
Now I'm free of bubble algae

Holy cow! I wasn't sure if you were still in the hobby man! You helped me out in the past on another forum. I've heard about the reef flux treatment but never have tried it. Anyway, good to see you posting for sure.

cracker · Jun 6, 2019

I cut back on nutrients way below recommended . it worked well .
@Mcfky care to elaborate on why You wouldn't recommend ? Just intro other algae ? I have a 75 that is terrible overgrown with Ha ,about at my wits end trying knock this back . Reason I ask is I have an unopened bottle of vibrant & real close to using it. thanks

MTBake · Jun 6, 2019

cracker said:
I cut back on nutrients way below recommended . it worked well .
@Mcfky care to elaborate on why You wouldn't recommend ? Just intro other algae ? I have a 75 that is terrible overgrown with Ha ,about at my wits end trying knock this back . Reason I ask is I have an unopened bottle of vibrant & real close to using it. thanks

It wouldn't hurt to try the Vibrant, imo. I've used it before but didn't have bubble algae in this tank. I used it against dinos. It did nothing for those, but my glass was clean for days. I didn't need to scrape it. It didn't hurt any coral or livestock. I would definately keep an eye on nutrient levels. It drove my no3 and po4 down to 0 in matter of days. My sps paled as a result and alk consumption dropped like a rock. I caught it in time and had no loses. Just make sure you test important parameters and adjust accordingly, ime.