Ohio Reef

Reef Discussion => Pests, Nudsiance Algae and Prevention => Topic started by: Kenn on February 01, 2009, 18:08:44

Title: Bubble Alge
Post by: Kenn on February 01, 2009, 18:08:44

I have been noticing a couple patches bubble alge and would like to remove this little problem before it gets out of hand. I have had suggested to me that I could try a Emerald Crab. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Also no fish in this new tank as of yet.

Thanks !

Title: Re: Bubble Alge
Post by: MechanicalEngineer on February 01, 2009, 18:40:09

Emerald crabs, just like every other creature pretty much...are about 50/50.  Sometimes they work, sometimes not.  Even if you find one that will eat it, as soon as they pop open the bubble, the algae will release spores...and reproduce.  Your best bed is manual removal.  If possible, I'd remove a bit of rock where the algae is attached as well.  This algae is one you really want to nip in the bud immediately.  I've never had an outbreak of it, so I can't chime in too much as for widespread removal.

Title: Re: Bubble Alge
Post by: lazylivin on February 01, 2009, 21:47:29

I get green and red form of bubble algae every now and again. Usually just a few here and there. Manual removal is good but try not to pop them. The only other way to contain them is ultra low nutrients. Maybe consider some Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO) if manual removal does not work or it gets worse.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbon-and-Phosphate-Remover-GFO-Phosphate-Remover-(GFO)-Granular-GFO/c109_8_87/p350/1-pound-(453-Grams)-Granular-Ferric-Oxide/product_info.html (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbon-and-Phosphate-Remover-GFO-Phosphate-Remover-(GFO)-Granular-GFO/c109_8_87/p350/1-pound-(453-Grams)-Granular-Ferric-Oxide/product_info.html)

Title: Re: Bubble Alge
Post by: MechanicalEngineer on February 01, 2009, 22:00:35

I believe bubble algae is one of the algaes that can survive in a low-nutrient environment...from what I've heard, GFO & good skimming won't even help (until you get to VSV dosing).

Title: Re: Bubble Alge
Post by: lazylivin on February 01, 2009, 22:15:14

+1 for that, I have pretty low nutrients and still get them from time to time.

Title: Re: Bubble Alge
Post by: JSLeedy on February 02, 2009, 00:24:06

I have alway kept a good variety of crabs,snails,shrimp, ect...  I can honestly say I have never had any problms with any algae in 2.5 years.  Of course we all get the stuff that grows on the glass but other than that nothing.  I don't know if it's the critters or skimming.  I haven't (until now) used any type reactor .  Or maybe I'm just lucky.  They have really done a good job of keeping everything in my tank looking nice.