Should I use Vibrant vs GHA?

[VintageReefer]

Do you run carbon when dosing Vibrant?

Technically yes. I have chemipure elite packs in my sump. I don’t think ive ever removed it during vibrant usage

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Would you not use it because is a poor product that will risk my livestock (SPS) or because specifically the fact that they scam reefers?

Scam is primary reason. I’m uncertain what else it may harm besides algae, but the ingredient is an approved to kill mollusks in some scenarios.

 

[FishTruck]

I have used algaecide aggressively twice, and just recently... both times when I couldn't keep numerous large coral colonies healthy due to infiltration of bubble or hair algae. Both times in mature tanks. Both times, ended up with a major tank reset afterwards.

Currently algae fix.

Dosing every three days you might get to the 8th or 10th dose before you notice a significant effect. Then the algae sort of becomes brittle and MUCH easier to remove. Perhaps, be patient and wait for this before you start you final attempt at manual removal - just to save yourself frustration.

In both cases, I trashed my 90% of my montis and acros - but, other stuff was going on (major nutrient swings, changes in current tank management strategies, aquascaping, boredom, and other disruptions), so I can't say it does or does not affect coral health. Also, I tossed colonies that were badly infiltrated.

Most of the people that post victory videos over algae without coral losses seem to relatively small tanks where manual removal is much more manageable than in my situation.

Obviously, you have to fix whatever caused the algae to get out of control in the first place first. Try manual removal and CUC. IF this fails, then algaecide can be considered. Vibrant was an overpriced lie... but it did work too. Good luck!

 

[Garf]

Technically yes. I have chemipure elite packs in my sump. I don’t think ive ever removed it during vibrant usage

You normally attribute algae control (I think this is the same tank) to the Santa Monica bubbly algae scrubber, now it turns out you add an algaecide? Does the Vibrant not kill off the Ulva you have in the scrubber?

 

[ScottJ]

The cheapest I see for Vibrant on Amazon is over $40 for 8oz, $55 for 16oz. Algaefix is under $20 for 16oz.

Just because we have algae, doesn't make us saps.

 

[VintageReefer]

You normally attribute algae control (I think this is the same tank) to the Santa Monica bubbly algae scrubber, now it turns out you add an algaecide? Does the Vibrant not kill off the Ulva you have in the scrubber?

I have multiple tanks and I do not use vibrant regularly on either. When vibrant came out years ago and was being questioned heavily for its true ingredients, I did use it for hair algae, successfully, on a mixed reef with sps and lps.

In October 2020 I did use it on my main tank as a last attempt against bubble algae. It did work, but I noticed it took a few extra weeks compared to my prior experience with hair algae. I did have a algae scrubber on that system, the scrubber did not ever seem to have any impact on bubble algae. Maybe it would be worse without it, I can’t be sure.

I have a 15g nano that has been neglected for a long time. The algae in it…I can’t identify. It was bad. I tried many methods but it would grow back. Despite only one clownfish being fed a few small pellets a day. I think it was a mix of cyano and multiple algaes. I started vibrant about 2 months ago. Following bottle instructions. Dosing once weekly. The algae is 90% gone. It took about a month (4 doses) before I started seeing an impact.

Aside from an algaecide, they claim it’s a water clarifier, and I bought it October 2024 to have on hand as it’s hard to get. I’ve used it twice (single dose, not full treatment plan) randomly on my current main reef for water clarity purposes, over the last 8 months.

I’ve never had a negative impact on any of my tanks from it. And I don’t think I’ve used it enough on my main tank to impact the scrubber. I don’t think one capful every 2-3 months is going to make a dent in the scrubber algae or any algae.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

No- you dont need vibrant, nor should you be dosing it. Why chance messing with your biofilter?

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

Ive had horrible GHA outbreaks in the past few months and I've found the only way to get it and sleep at night is dig into it with a toothbrush, try to filter it out with a sock on your drain, and allow coralline to outcompete it.

I noticed that upon dosing kalkwasser with a one dose of morning AFR, my coralline has gone completely nuts on rock and glass. Hair algae is far less than it was 2 months ago. Of course the CUC plays an integral part.

 

[BryanM]

Hello all,

Battling a bit of GHA for months now and have tried several things like: emerald crabs, tangs, blue legs, reef flux (twice), to no avail. I keep on manually removing it and some weeks are better than others. Finally considering using vibrant, however, I was around when the **** show with UC happened, so I am unsure. My tank is 99% SPS and fairly mature(2years of sustained SPS growth).

What are your experiences and suggestions? Thank you!

I personally would steer clear of vibrant, there are plenty of poor result or disaster stories, and I'm of the mindset that more natural is better.

Do you have a CUC or any herbivores? Lawnmower blennies like GHA, as do many tangs, and rabbitfish. This is how I'd be tackling it if it were my tank.

 

[cj02]

Great thread. I’m going to try it. Quick question- do I need to remove my carbon?
No mention of stopping on bottle
Instructions or website.
Thanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Great thread. I’m going to try it. Quick question- do I need to remove my carbon?
No mention of stopping on bottle
Instructions or website.
Thanks.

If you want to use this herbicide, please use Algaefix rather than vibrant. Give your dollars to a company that isn’t a scam.

 

[cj02]

Great thread. I’m going to try it. Quick question- do I need to remove my carbon?
No mention of stopping on bottle
Instructions or website.
Thanks.

If you want to use this herbicide, please use Algaefix rather than vibrant. Give your dollars to a company that isn’t a scam.

Will do!!!!! Do you remove carbon for algaefix?

 

[rtparty]

Will do!!!!! Do you remove carbon for algaefix?

I can’t prove it but I see far better results with AlgaeFix when there is no carbon in the system

 

[me & my baby]

Hello all,

Battling a bit of GHA for months now and have tried several things like: emerald crabs, tangs, blue legs, reef flux (twice), to no avail. I keep on manually removing it and some weeks are better than others. Finally considering using vibrant, however, I was around when the **** show with UC happened, so I am unsure. My tank is 99% SPS and fairly mature(2years of sustained SPS growth).

What are your experiences and suggestions? Thank you!

What are your water parameters . I haven’t seen anyone ask . I started to have some GHA show up and my Po4 and nitrates had dropped to zero . Started dosing neophos and my GHA went away .

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Will do!!!!! Do you remove carbon for algaefix?

I’ve never used it. I use herbivores on algae issues.

 

[cj02]

Thanks Randy. I have a ton of herbivores. Not touching my GHA problem. Working through other issues. I truly wish it was that simple. Appreciate your response.