Bubble algae

[Juniorh2r]

Best way to remove some bubble algae that's growing on one of my rocks

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Well, I try first a couple of emerald crab but was a lot for those to take car of. Then I use Vibrant for Reef and works wonders in just a couple of weeks. Right now I still have the emerald crabs but no Bubble algae at all.

 

[Coralreefer1]

If it is in a couple localized areas, take the rock out and scrape/scrub it off then rinse the rock under saltwater in a bucket then return it to your tank.

 

[AcanSam]

Gently remove with popsicle stick or something that won’t pop the bubble by prying the base up. Most effective way if it’s an option is pull rock out and tear them out.All out.BA is all about staying patient and persistent removing any new bubbles you see each day until you get it gone.Also I’m sure there’s dozens of threads about this already worked out.....any how good luck

 

[shred5]

If it is in a couple localized areas, take the rock out and scrape/scrub it off then rinse the rock under saltwater in a bucket then return it to your tank.

Agreed remove the rock do not do it in your aquarium.
Scrub it hard with a hard bristle brush or even I sometimes scrap or break that part of the rock away.

And rinse the rock well with saltwater.

 

[kichimark]

All good advice and the key is patience and diligence. For areas that I could not take the rock out I would use a tooth pick to remove the algae at the base while being careful not to pop the bubble.

 

[Duffer]

Tooth pick or flathead screw driver has worked for me. Also my foxface loves some bubble algae

 

[Michelle Crossley]

Gently remove with popsicle stick or something that won’t pop the bubble by prying the base up. Most effective way if it’s an option is pull rock out and tear them out.All out.BA is all about staying patient and persistent removing any new bubbles you see each day until you get it gone.Also I’m sure there’s dozens of threads about this already worked out.....any how good luck

What actually happens if the bubble pops?

 

[AcanSam]

What actually happens if the bubble pops?

They are said to release spores that will potentially act as a seed for starting a new colony of bubble algae elsewhere. Seems to have held water IME. Never had success eradicating until I was able to remove all visible algae time after time with none of the bubbles popping. Every time one popped sure enough in about a week I’d see a new bubble elsewhere.

 

[jda]

Emerald Crabs from the Florida Keys are nearly a sure thing. Emeralds from other places are good, but not as sure. I would get some because it is very likely that they are more places than just on that one rock.

The ones from reeftopia.com has always worked for me.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

The only thing that worked for me was Vibrant.

 

[hanas]

With regards to the emerald crabs, anyone have any situations in which they've attacked small fish? I have several small patches of BA that I can manually remove, but I know there's most likely more hiding behind rocks access so I may add a couple.

How many should I need for a 140G with a very minimal breakout? And how does everyone get them out once they're done?

 

[jda]

Emeralds are algae eater. However, if you starve them, they will not just go quietly.

You don't take them out when they are done... you are never done. Without a consumer, the bubble algae will just come back. Emeralds will eat left over fish food and other types of algae, but you need to feed them... they cannot live on detritus alone.

 

[lapin]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/

 

[Aaron-A2]

The ones from reeftopia.com has always worked for me.

I've been to their website before and when I try to order 3-4 emeralds, it prompts me telling me I haven't met their minimum order quantity yet. However they don't display what their MOQ is... what :confused:

 

[Hot2na]

if only 1 0r 2 .inject with peroxide. kills the spores inside and the bubble itself

 

[pelphrey]

Reef Cleaners emerald crabs have been working great for me! I had a rock that was heavily covered in bubble algae and all the visible algae is gone. I think the minimum order on reef cleaners is $25

 

[jda]

I usually buy enough to get free shipping. A CUC that would cost $500-600 at a LFS is like $150 here. Our LFS charges $20 for a pincushion, $2 for an astrea, $10 for peppermints or emerald crabs. For those who have not used them, I really like the Nerite snails. I also find the fish very hardy.

 

[hanas]

Thanks for info jda, I’ve read on a couple threads that the male emeralds eat bubble algae, while females do not (or at least not as vigorously). Have you seen any truth to that?

 

[jda]

All of them that I have ever gotten have eaten it. If the people at Reeftopia filter them out, then I have no idea... but it does not matter to me as long as they eat it.