Should I avoid using Vibrant?

[Thanos]

I've had a serious bubble algae issue in my tank for the last few months and I've been recommended from several places to buy the reef version of Vibrant. While almost every place I've looked has said that it's been extremely successful in eliminating algae while having little to no impact on coral, I recently heard about a study a few months ago that found it to be an algaecide and potentially harmful. That being said, there's years of reports of how successful it's been.

 

[xCry0x]

The study found that it was algaecide not bacterial as advertised.

That said, people use algaefix on their tanks without issue assuming you follow directions.

I used vibrant a few years ago to knock out bubble algae and it worked great for me. For what that anecdotal experience is worth

 

[shakacuz]

very much so.

i had good results using it but the secondary effects really messed with my reef tank. i would never use it again

 

[Tired]

Vibrant is an acceptable last resort, when the only other alternative is starting over. Unless you're at that point, don't use it. Try emerald crabs instead- I think ReefCleaners guarantees theirs will eat bubble algae?

 

[Thanos]

very much so.

i had good results using it but the secondary effects really messed with my reef tank. i would never use it again

What kinds of secondary effects did you experience?

 

[Thanos]

Vibrant is an acceptable last resort, when the only other alternative is starting over. Unless you're at that point, don't use it. Try emerald crabs instead- I think ReefCleaners guarantees theirs will eat bubble algae?

Almost everywhere I've looked, people have mentioned that emerald crabs really aren't reef safe and won't hesitate to eat coral

 

[AJ1982]

Vibrant worked for me. No more bubble algae

 

[vetteguy53081]

I've had a serious bubble algae issue in my tank for the last few months and I've been recommended from several places to buy the reef version of Vibrant. While almost every place I've looked has said that it's been extremely successful in eliminating algae while having little to no impact on coral, I recently heard about a study a few months ago that found it to be an algaecide and potentially harmful. That being said, there's years of reports of how successful it's been.

Using it along with reduction of white light intensity should help- I had success with vibrant but its hit and miss with results.

 

[GlassMunky]

Are they even still making/selling it? The EPA came in and started an investigation on the manufacturer. Usually when that happens and you’re found to be selling an algaecide that’s not listed with the EPA you are forced to shut down and pay big fines.

 

[G Santana]

I used it twice for huge GHA outbreaks in my 130, it worked without any losses.
Yes it's an algaecide but if used and not over used I can't see it being a problem.

 

[shakacuz]

What kinds of secondary effects did you experience?

corals dying. all my macro algae dying.

weirdly enough i was under dosing while using it. the effects happened later down the road all at once

 

[Thanos]

corals dying. all my macro algae dying.

weirdly enough i was under dosing while using it. the effects happened later down the road all at once

Macro algae dying seems to be a universal thing that makes sense but most ppl seem to have no issues with corals. What kinds of corals did you have

 

[Thanos]

I used it twice for huge GHA outbreaks in my 130, it worked without any losses.
Yes it's an algaecide but if used and not over used I can't see it being a problem.

What kinds of corals do you keep? It seems like most ppl experience no coral losses but some experience near tank wipes. I really wish more studies were done looking into this, don't get me wrong ppl should definitely be hesitant after that study came out but after years of it working well everyone just completely ditched it without any further questions; just seems strange

 

[Spare time]

I've heard a few rounds of fluconazole can hit it.

 

[Cell]

Algaefix labeled algaefix is cheaper than algaefix labeled Vibrant.

 

[shakacuz]

Macro algae dying seems to be a universal thing that makes sense but most ppl seem to have no issues with corals. What kinds of corals did you have

mixed reef. but my stony corals were affected the most

 

[jhrightyhein]

It does more damage than good

 

[nothing_fancy]

Discontinued use myself a while back. I got freaked out about hair algae and tried it. Really only cleared up my water, no use for me on the algae. A lot of toothbrushing and one single urchin fixed me up. Not sure if it would work for bubble but that urchin was a hero. Vibrant no good for macro and I’m not sure what others think but I feel like it eats a lot of beneficial bacteria and I’m curious about how it effects phyto use if that’s something that one relies on.

 

[Thanos]

Discontinued use myself a while back. I got freaked out about hair algae and tried it. Really only cleared up my water, no use for me on the algae. A lot of toothbrushing and one single urchin fixed me up. Not sure if it would work for bubble but that urchin was a hero. Vibrant no good for macro and I’m not sure what others think but I feel like it eats a lot of beneficial bacteria and I’m curious about how it effects phyto use if that’s something that one relies on.

From what I've heard urchin's can be kinda hit or miss with bubble algae, and I have a sand sifting goby and I'd hate it if he hurt himself on an urchin spine. I'm probably just going to get a UV sterilizer, they're pricey but the more I look they seem to be the most reliable and safest options.

 

[bnord]

Used the stuff 18 months back, and coincidentally or incidentally had a smush (not quite a crash) after 3-4 weeks of use.

Plus what is not debatable is someone along the chain should be held account for false advertising/misleading labeling

Have never had a problem with Emeralds, (get females please) and only have Valonia where the crabs can't reach (but I can)