Should I give Vibrant a second chance for my Valonia problem.

[FrugalReefer]

I have a Bubble Algae problem and I’m considering giving Vibrant a second go around to address it. It’s not full blown out of control but very unsightly in certain areas of my tank if anything. I had a bad experience the first time using it losing multiple SPS frags albeit it did a job on my GHA . Manual removal doesn’t really help as it always seems to slowly come back, can’t get a Rabbit Fish since my tank is a nano, heard too many stories of Emerald Crabs feasting on corals and also that they can be a hit or miss with Valonia, nutrients are already low (NO3 at 2, PO4 at 0.03 tested with Salifert). It’s weird, but I’ve seen a lot of postings on social media recently about people eradicating their Bubble Algae problem using Vibrant and this is what gave me the thought. If I do decide to try it again I will go a lot easier with dosage amount and frequency of use and will stop immediately at the first sign of stress by my corals. So what do you guys think? Is there anything else I should try before I go nuclear?

 

[blaxsun]

I wouldn't trust Vibrant any further than I can throw it...

 

[legionofdoon]

Algaefix is cheaper, the same dose and came first.

 

[FrugalReefer]

Algaefix is cheaper, the same dose and came first.

Yeah I was thinking of that too. Have you tried it?

 

[Orito]

If it's a nano can't you take the rocks out, scrub and spray with peroxide?

 

[FrugalReefer]

If it's a nano can't you take the rocks out, scrub and spray with peroxide?

My rockwork is one large structure consisting of multiple rocks glued together. I have several corals which have encrusted on it already. Add to this, I live in an apartment complex with a busy schedule (divorced dad taking care of a 9 and 12 year old who I share 50/50 with my ex, graveyard work schedule). I suppose it could be done but it would seem like an added headache to the bubble algae itself.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I've had no problems using Algaefix to nuke Valonia.
It's a last option for sure, but I've never had any bad effects when dosed accurately. Best to start with 1/2 dose.

 

[FrugalReefer]

I've had no problems using Algaefix to nuke Valonia.
It's a last option for sure, but I've never had any bad effects when dosed accurately. Best to start with 1/2 dose.

Any affects to snails or other CUC members? Urchin?

 

[gbroadbridge]

Any affects to snails or other CUC members? Urchin?

Strombus Snails, Conches, peppermint shrimp and collector urchin didn't show any signs of stress at all at full dose for me.

But of course, every tank is different and some folks have had bad things happen.

Consider it a last resort option.

 

[FrugalReefer]

 

[Uncle99]

I did use Vibrant years ago on bubble algae and it removed 100% but took 16 weeks at normal dose to clear.
Bubbles turned from green to light beige in about 6 weeks.
Over the next 10 weeks, seemed less and less, till nothing.

I lost only some corraline algae during the treatment period but can’t for sure say this was Vibrant.

Lot of bad press on this product, but did work for me.
I used it exactly as instructed on the bottle.

Have not seen any bubbles for 3 ish years now.

Always a gamble.

 

[FrugalReefer]

I did use Vibrant years ago on bubble algae and it removed 100% but took 16 weeks at normal dose to clear.
Bubbles turned from green to light beige in about 6 weeks.
Over the next 10 weeks, seemed less and less, till nothing.

I lost only some corraline algae during the treatment period but can’t for sure say this was Vibrant.

Lot of bad press on this product, but did work for me.
I used it exactly as instructed on the bottle.

Have not seen any bubbles for 3 ish years now.

Always a gamble.

So when you say normal dose you’re talking about the instruction to dose it once every two weeks correct? Did it affect whatever invertebrates you had?

 

[Uncle99]

So when you say normal dose you’re talking about the instruction to dose it once every two weeks correct? Did it affect whatever invertebrates you had?

Yes, I followed the directions exactly.

Took a lot longer than I would have thought at 16 weeks.

No affect on inverts, no affect on fish, just coralline on the glass (maybe)

Water went very very clear.

 

[legalizedreefer]

I have it everywhere and my approach is to do nothing. I have a few emeralds picking away but not near enough to eradicate.

Although, my bubble algae is less and less due to coral growth. My monti’s turn the bubbles white before they grow over the territory the bubble algae once occupied.

I’ve heard of the “worst case” where it can smother corals but I’ve never witnessed it and I’ve only actually ever observed the contrary. My corals seem to always win that turf war.

So my advice is do nothing. You may get rid of your bubble algae but is it worth it at the cost of your coral health?