Has anyone tried this method for bubble algae removal

[Maho.B]

Hello. While I'm typically opposed to using chemical methods for algae removal, I'm looking for a solution to bubble algae. It is growing so quickly and now harming some very healthy corals. I manually remove as much as possible with tweezers and siphon and it doesn't even sent it. Emerald crabs are either not touching it or simply can't keep up (6 crabs in 90 gallon display). I don't want to add a fish that grows large either.

I ran across a YouTube video of someone using a very detailed addition of 3 products over the course of a couple weeks which eliminated bubble algae in his mature reef.

The process uses products from Continuum (redox plus/ clean equation M / Bacter clean M) and doses at different times of the day and amounts are based on water volume.

Curious if any of you have used this method? Thank you.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Haven't tried that, but I have been using Brightwell Razor for the past month, and I have to say I'm impressed, the bubble algae is dying off. I'm also against chemicals, but the first thing written on the bottle is that its not an algaecide, and it works. I was beaten by the bubble algae, so I did a rock swap removing 95% of the bubbles, and the remainder is now dead or dying. The water also seems amazingly clear and algae/biofilm seems to grow much slower on the glass, my tank just looks so clean.

 

[Maho.B]

Really, that's great to hear. I've never heard of Razor, I'll look into it. Thank you!

 

[Joe8612]

I’m using reef flux right now. I’m on day 8 and the algae is breaking down.

 

[Maho.B]

I’m using reef flux right now. I’m on day 8 and the algae is breaking down.

Bubble algae is or just algae in general?

 

[Jamie814]

Have you tried emerald crabs? Bubble algae is their main diet. They worked well for me to rid all bubble algae in my 500 gallon.

 

[rtparty]

Have you tried emerald crabs? Bubble algae is their main diet. They worked well for me to rid all bubble algae in my 500 gallon.

They have 6 of them. It’s in the OP

 

[Maho.B]

Yes 6 emerald crabs in a 90 gallon display. They are some at first but don't seem to be touching it, and I feed fish very carefully so I doubt they're getting full on fish food. They graze algae in general, just not bubble anymore

 

[rtparty]

Haven't tried that, but I have been using Brightwell Razor for the past month, and I have to say I'm impressed, the bubble algae is dying off. I'm also against chemicals, but the first thing written on the bottle is that its not an algaecide, and it works. I was beaten by the bubble algae, so I did a rock swap removing 95% of the bubbles, and the remainder is now dead or dying. The water also seems amazingly clear and algae/biofilm seems to grow much slower on the glass, my tank just looks so clean.

Brightwell says a lot of things that aren’t true. They’ve been caught lying way too many times to be given the benefit here

I used Razor in the past and all the algae in the tank reacts identically to how it does when you dose Vibrant or AlgaeFix which are both an algaecide

I would almost guarantee if Razor was tested the same way as Vibrant, we’d find it’s the same chemical or very very similar.

To the OP, API AlgaeFix will absolutely decimate bubble algae if you want to go that route. I’ve been dosing it to my 25g for almost 8 months to help with multiple issues that no CUC will touch. Just go very slow and watch everything. If you see a negative reaction, run carbon immediately and wait to dose for a couple weeks

 

[Jamie814]

They have 6 of them. It’s in the OP

My bad, I should have not have just skimmed the first paragraph

 

[rtparty]

My bad, I should have not have just skimmed the first paragraph

We all do it

 

[Maho.B]

Appreciate the info. Bubble is the only nuisance algae I have so these products are all new to me, I will research them. Thank you

 

[Joe8612]

Bubble algae is or just algae in general?

Bubble algae is breaking down. The bubbles are turning brittle and disappearing. Have to watch the nutrients and change socks often during this phase. I’ll keep you posted longer term. It will take 20-30 days to clear the bubble algae then I will do another small dose after a water change.

 

[Maho.B]

Bubble algae is breaking down. The bubbles are turning brittle and disappearing. Have to watch the nutrients and change socks often during this phase. I’ll keep you posted longer term. It will take 20-30 days to clear the bubble algae then I will do another small dose after a water change.

That's great. Please let me know how it goes. Thanks and best of luck!

 

[Marco_99]

Have you tried emerald crabs? Bubble algae is their main diet. They worked well for me to rid all bubble algae in my 500 gallon.

Not all emeralds will take to bubble algae. Reef Cleaners guarantees their emeralds will eat bubble algae or they’ll refund the cost. I can’t argue with them because I had the start of a fairly good population of bubble algae and my two emeralds from them have kept it down to where I would have to really look hard to find any in my tank anymore