How do the sps keepers deal with bubble algea?

[Biff0rz]

I've noticed quite a bit starting to grow, particularly between colonies, argh. These are hard to get to without breaking branches or whatnot. I've heard bad things about emralds (don't work / nip fish / other issues). So, curious how this group has dealt with it?

 

[Evil1]

Emerald crabs work for me. Also you can get some dental picks ( stainless steel) And gently pick out whatever you can safely get to.

 

[Biff0rz]

Emerald crabs work for me

hummm, i might have to bite the bullet then....

 

[Spare time]

I've heard pithos crabs work well.

 

[NeutronMan]

I just rip them out with stainless steel clippers. I haven’t seen evidence of spores spreading and all but also run a UV sterilizer so…

 

[Evil1]

hummm, i might have to bite the bullet then....

hummm, i might have to bite the bullet then....

Get some dental tools, picks of various kinds and pick out whatever you can get to.

 

[DIYreefer]

Foxface Rabbitfish are good for bubble algae and my Naso tang (RIP ) devoured bubble algae as well. Not sure how big your tank is, but either or both could help if your tank is large enough.

 

[Kasrift]

I've heard pithos crabs work well.

Pithos are amazing and clear things very efficiently.

 

[NeutronMan]

Pithos are amazing and clear things very efficiently.

They cleared too much stuff for me. “Did I do that?” As they knocked my poor little frags around.

 

[rtparty]

I’ve never had a pitho last more than a couple months even with plenty to eat

I use API AlgaeFix to deal with bubble algae. Works great and not one coral has ever shown signs of stress

 

[X-37B]

8 emerald crabs into my 1.5 year old 150 after catching and removing a mantis.
I can see a bubble here and there but 95% gone.
Before I would pop and remove it evey couple weeks.
12 should work in your system.
Remove as much as you can then add them.

 

[X-37B]

I’ve never had a pitho last more than a couple months even with plenty to eat

I use API AlgaeFix to detail with bubble algae. Works great and not one coral has ever shown signs of stress

I just used some in my 15 to get rid off hair algae and some bubble. It works well. Not sure why so many have issues with it.
It does not bother any inverts either.
Emerald crabs have other functions and I always have them in all systems.

 

[Z Burn's Reefing]

I had a plague of bubble algae about 6 months ago in my 75 gallon display. Added 6 emeralds, after 3 months it was all gone.

 

[Jimbo]

I have emeralds but still had a couple of spots with bubble algae. Added 2 Pithos and those were gone in a few days.
They’re kind of cool too, bury in the sand and not as reclusive as the Emeralds.

 

[etcee]

I know this will sound tedious and to be fair my tank is only 80 gallons. I tent to get in there every water change day and pull as much out manually as I can. Not a solution for people with large tanks, but if my tank was over 100 gallons I’d get emerald crabs.

 

[exnisstech]

I’ve never had a pitho last more than a couple months even with plenty to eat

I use API AlgaeFix to deal with bubble algae. Works great and not one coral has ever shown signs of stress

Do you use it the recommended dosage?

 

[rtparty]

Do you use it the recommended dosage?

I start at half dosage and only once a week so I can watch for any negative reactions. Then slowly ramp up if I’m not seeing any dent in the bubble algae. It usually is 2-3 weeks to see anything positive IME. If nothing after 4 weeks, up the dosage and frequency

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

I just used some in my 15 to get rid off hair algae and some bubble. It works well. Not sure why so many have issues with it.
It does not bother any inverts either.
Emerald crabs have other functions and I always have them in all systems.

I used to use it to knock back dinos (it worked on them even though it’s not advertised to). Anyway, was treating a client tank, and because you treat every 3 days, the client was given instructions for adding. They had done it before, and knew what they were doing.

Well, one day she treated in the morning, and forgot that she had already treated and added a 2nd dose that evening. That was a wrap. It didn’t kill all of the corals, but it took out a bunch.

Anybody who treats with it should be really careful.

 

[Big E]

I’ve never had a pitho last more than a couple months even with plenty to eat

I use API AlgaeFix to deal with bubble algae. Works great and not one coral has ever shown signs of stress

I used Algaefix as well & never had a problem. There was a huge thread on RC years ago(10) and most experiences were good. I followed the directions.

Since then I have used tangs. Zebrasoma types worked best for me. Purple and desjardini have both worked well for me. If you need something smaller juvenile Convict tangs come in often and are awesome as the they can get into those tighter areas.

 

[X-37B]

I used to use it to knock back dinos (it worked on them even though it’s not advertised to). Anyway, was treating a client tank, and because you treat every 3 days, the client was given instructions for adding. They had done it before, and knew what they were doing.

Well, one day she treated in the morning, and forgot that she had already treated and added a 2nd dose that evening. That was a wrap. It didn’t kill all of the corals, but it took out a bunch.

Anybody who treats with it should be really careful.

That's some good info. I have followed the directions and it has worked well. I have never double dosed so that's good to know.
In my 15 I dosed 1ml every 3 days.
It takes a few weeks to work in my experience so don't be in a hurry.
Just started dosing 5ml in my 50.
I need to catch the mantis so I can add emerald crabs.
I have a 13g system for the mantis when I catch it.