Help with algea id

[Bc111]

I have a 29gal biocube. We've had it over a year. Fish coral and live rock. Recently had a red stringy algea outbreak with bubbles on LR that we cleared up with turning the lights off for 5 days. Light on times are cut back now and algea is gone but these have been here since that outbreak. They have spread to the filter grate on the back wall. Any help with what they are or how to get rid of them would be helpful. Thanks

 

[thehammer1985]

Red valonia (bubble algea) this stuff has almost caused me severe mental breakdowns. Whatever you do do not pop them in the tank or you will release there spores. You're best bet for one in the filter grate is to very carefully remove them . As far as on the rocks if it's only isolated pull that rock and scrape em off very carefully the will have tough roots so be very careful. If it was me and just on one rock I would nuke that rock with some fresh Rodi and vinegar . It is a very proliferic algea and will utilize even the tiniest amounts of phosphate nitrates and light. Be adamant about keeping nutrient levels low and manual removal and hopefully your headache won't be too bad. Best of luck my man.

 

[abecker]

I believe emerald crabs do a good job at eating bubble algae off of the rocks. Reefcleaners.org even offers a refund if they don't eat the bubble algae.

 

[thehammer1985]

I have had ups and downs with emerald crabs and bubble algea . The trick is they gotta be hungry but at that point they are opportunist and may turn on things you don't want them to

 

[abecker]

I have had good luck with mine. Sometimes I will catch his scurrying around the sand at night looking hungry (I think everything in the tank "looks" hungry lol) and I'll throw some nori on a clip down low for him.

 

[thehammer1985]

Oh I love the guys and have always had a good experience with them they have worked on all kinds of algea for me and are fun to watch. Just with valonia they can be pick and choosy

 

[Wiz]

Yup, I have small amounts of green bubble algae in hard to reach areas. I agree manual removal is most affective. Preferably with a syphon and filter sock. But emerald crabs do help with unreachable areas.

 

[thehammer1985]

Just do not let it get out of control it can get very discouraging.

 

[Bc111]

Thank you so much thehammer1985 ! I added a big cleanup crew bundle I bought but I don't have any emeralds right now. I will follow your advice and I have advil on hand lol. I appreciate the help !