Bubble algae/ Time to worry

[Manose]

Tank is 8 months old and has been great till I found very very tiny patches of bubble algae
I got 3 options
1. emerald crab = eats coral
2. Pitho crab =eats coral
3. foxface(quarantined) = nips at coral
4. manual removal = to small and in crevices to do
I am in a lose lose situation so I forcedd to take the tank down or deal with losing my coral right when my tank was doing fantastic.
Here is a 5x image and as you can it's tiny;

This is my tank soon to be ruined by bubble algae once it spreads

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

Pitho crabs :)

 

[BristleWormHater]

Bubble algae is not too bad ime, doesn't spread nearly as fast as gha. Not all emeralds and pithos eat coral. Get a female crab, they are less aggressive and less likely to eat coral. I've heard pithos are much better, but ive never had one. I used to have a emerald and ruby mithrax crab (both male) that eventually started picking a coral AFTER my bubble algae was gone.

 

[Manose]

Bubble algae is not too bad ime, doesn't spread nearly as fast as gha. Not all emeralds and pithos eat coral. Get a female crab, they are less aggressive and less likely to eat coral. I've heard pithos are much better, but ive never had one. I used to have a emerald and ruby mithrax crab (both male) that eventually started picking a coral AFTER my bubble algae was gone.

How do got about that as I have to order anything I want because no lfs.
Do I just tell reef cleaner that I need a couple of female pitho crabs?

 

[Manose]

Pitho crabs :)

I have small amounts so I hope that a couple would work in 100g

 

[BristleWormHater]

Bubble algae is not too bad ime, doesn't spread nearly as fast as gha. Not all emeralds and pithos eat coral. Get a female crab, they are less aggressive and less likely to eat coral. I've heard pithos are much better, but ive never had one. I used to have a emerald and ruby mithrax crab (both male) that eventually started picking a coral AFTER my bubble algae was gone.

Some larger hermits may eat it too. I've seen my Halloween hermit eat it before. Thinstripe hermits and polka dot hermits are options as well. I'd say it's far less likely for a hermit to acquire a taste for bubble algae, but it's an option.

 

[BristleWormHater]

How do got about that as I have to order anything I want because no lfs.
Do I just tell reef cleaner that I need a couple of female pitho crabs?

I would definitely leave that in the order notes, hopefully they will fulfill that request.

 

[Manose]

I am going to make an order through Saltwateraquarium.com as I ordered my cleanup crew through them.
My guess would be 2 for my 100g tank? I will request female

 

[braaap]

You’ll need a lot more than 2. Try 10. I did 6 in a 50 and they ate it but I still have a problem and I’m getting a few more.

 

[Manose]

You’ll need a lot more than 2. Try 10. I did 6 in a 50 and they ate it but I still have a problem and I’m getting a few more.

I have a small amount of bubble algae and it's so tiny

 

[BristleWormHater]

I have a small amount of bubble algae and it's so tiny

if they get here fast and it's really just a small patch or two, you'd probably be ok with 2.

 

[Manose]

if they get here fast and it's really just a small patch or two, you'd probably be ok with 2.

Be here Tuesday! Do they climb rocks well as I have some on the side of rocks and on top?

 

[fish_collector]

Why is bubble algae even on your mind? Scrape them out when they get big enough to be an eyesore, there is nothing that happens when you pop them. It's not worth breaking a tank down over it.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

crabs climb rocks if thats what youre asking. i have emerald crabs and have never had any bother my coral

 

[braaap]

I have a small amount of bubble algae and it's so tiny

I can guarantee 2 in a 100 gal isn’t going to be enough.

 

[BristleWormHater]

Be here Tuesday! Do they climb rocks well as I have some on the side of rocks and on top?

Yes

 

[tritonpower]

I have had bubble algae for years. It is only really bad when nutrients are high. I have tried pitho and emerald crabs (neither tend to live very long). What has worked best is keep nutrients lower and a fox face. My magnificent fox face has made a huge difference.

 

[corosato]

I’ve been dealing with bubble algae recently. Added more crabs. Have a rabbitfish anyway. I still pull rocks when it gets concentrated and use a toothbrush to kick them off. Would never tank a tank down over it. Can just knock em loose and get them out while doing a water change too.

 

[Manose]

Why is bubble algae even on your mind? Scrape them out when they get big enough to be an eyesore, there is nothing that happens when you pop them. It's not worth breaking a tank down over it.

In the past few weeks it has gotten worse and while not an eye sore I want to get it before it gets bad.

crabs climb rocks if thats what youre asking. i have emerald crabs and have never had any bother my coral

I had a bad experience with a emerald in another tank who liked my coral better than bubble algae

I can guarantee 2 in a 100 gal isn’t going to be enough.

My outbreak is very small patches but most rocks have it and you have to look close to see it because it's so small.
Where did you get yours from?

 

[Justdrew]

crabs climb rocks if thats what youre asking. i have emerald crabs and have never had any bother my coral

I've had emeralds for 15 years and never had one bother coral. They will pick algae real close to the coral and it looks like they may be.