Is this bubble algae?

[tucbud]

Noticed these bubbles on a zoa frag that wasn't there the day before..I would like to know if its bubble algae and if so, how do I remove it and stop it from happening again? Any assistance is appreciated.

 

[steven325]

Yes that is indeed bubble algae. Take the frag out of the tank an just pick it off then scrub it with a toothbrush. An place it back in. You can get an emerald crab for control. If you have to remove it in tank try not to pop the bubbles. This releases spores and spreads it.

 

[alton]

Like steven said take the plug out immediately and first scrape them off and then brush the spot with hydrogen peroxide. Emeralds many times will not eat the smaller bubble algae. You do not want to get it started in your tank.

 

[tucbud]

Thanks Alton and Steven325 for advise..while I waited on response, took frag out and cleaned the bubble algae off with toothbrush and then dipped it in coralrx for about 5 mins..can you advise on how I may have gotten it and how to prevent it from happening again? I looked for more bubble algae in tank and didn't find any.

 

[alton]

I can only speak for myself and what I have encountered so here it goes; bad things can come on frag plugs, you can dip them but many times the eggs of bad thing are not affected. Only buy frags from people you know that have excellent tanks and clean frags. I was introduced to the smaller bubble algae which I believe there are at least 4 strains while buying a awesome clam that was attached to a rock. I didn't notice right away, and when I did i thought I would wait till the clam was settled before scraping them off. Next thing I know I am spending years trying to rid it from my tanks.

 

[James_O]

Yes, that definitely is. I would remove the frag into a separate container, and then scrape it off with a razor blade.

 

[James_O]

You do not want to get it started in your tank.

Yes, remove it ASAP. This stuff will spread throughout your tank very quickly - it sucks.

 

[GeoSquid]

not sure what size tank you have, but my blue hippo tang and picasso trigger love bubble algae.

 

[James_O]

not sure what size tank you have, but my blue hippo tang and picasso trigger love bubble algae.

Regardless of the tank size, I wouldn't get a fish to solve your issues, because they usually cause more problems than they solve.

 

[JohnMzreef]

Pick it off carefully and dip frag in [20% h202/80%] tank water for 2-3 min. I don't think dipping in coralrx is going to zap algae.

 

[tucbud]

Thanks everyone..took out the frag again and dipped in hydrogen peroxide mixture just for good measure..I always dip my corals before being placed in tank, just I'll start to scrub the plug before introducing to tank..again, thanks!

 

[tucbud]

not sure what size tank you have, but my blue hippo tang and picasso trigger love bubble algae.

My tank is a WB MP25 so not very large..going to go pickup an emerald crab in a few.

 

[steven325]

I always dip everything and change out the frag plug before placing it on a frag rack in the tank for observation. Never on the rock till I know it’s not growing anything. Also if the plug is encrusted I cut as close to the base as possible.