Bubble Algae Control

[cappymrgn]

I say control because I have given up on eliminating it. I would like input on local LFS that people have had good experience with buying consumers of this algae. Mithrax crabs, urchins etc. My tank is too small for a tang but honestly if I could find a small one that I could use for a limited amount of time and bring back to a LFS I might consider it.

I have no detectable phosphates, nitrates, ammonia, nitrites

I have read up and know that i wont be able keep up with manual removal and had just taken out rocks and scrubbed a few months ago. I just want to mitigate the spread.


any suggestions are appreciated and I live in coral springs so broward and south palm beach are my lfs stomping grounds.

thanks
jason

 

[Alex33324]

well I would say that manual removal is one of the best way to control it. Try no to burst the bubbles since more might be generated like spores. One way depending on the size of your tank is to have a 1/2 inch pvc attached to a hose. when doing water changes simply scrub the bubbles with the tip while siphon the bubbles and spores. I have the same issues and can not add a Mithrax crabs because it will eat my ornamental shrimps. As far as adding a tang, most tangs, rabbit, and surgeon fishes will not eat bubble algae. At least that's my experience.

How big is your tank?

 

[cappymrgn]

well I would say that manual removal is one of the best way to control it. Try no to burst the bubbles since more might be generated like spores. One way depending on the size of your tank is to have a 1/2 inch pvc attached to a hose. when doing water changes simply scrub the bubbles with the tip while siphon the bubbles and spores. I have the same issues and can not add a Mithrax crabs because it will eat my ornamental shrimps. As far as adding a tang, most tangs, rabbit, and surgeon fishes will not eat bubble algae. At least that's my experience.

How big is your tank?

Only 29 gallons with a sump but doesnt matter in regards to swimming area. I can do manual removal again but I know it will come back. I have a large cleaner shrimp will the crab bother that?

I am just looking for a way to keep it from taking over is all. I have learned to live with a little.

 

[Gillguy]

Only 29 gallons with a sump but doesnt matter in regards to swimming area. I can do manual removal again but I know it will come back. I have a large cleaner shrimp will the crab bother that?

I am just looking for a way to keep it from taking over is all. I have learned to live with a little.

You must continue to do manual plus get a couple of emarald crabs. They will get into the places you can't. No guaranty that tangs will eat them. My tangs eat them only if they get loose from the rocks. They don't pick ate them while attached.

 

[zoliyis]

I think exotic aquatics on oakland park sell a bunch of emerald crabs; the cool thing about this place is that, apparently, they only feed them bubble algae. So you can see the whole crab section is full of bubble algae and the crabs are feeding on them. It's a pretty cool site since i HHHHATE bubble algae myself(who doesn't?)lol. But im sure any emerald crabs will eat them and help containing their spread.

 

[Fish2reef]

Try a Foxface. I had an issue long time ago added a Foxface as recommended by a friend and out of desperation. Never had another issue inside the tank, the inside the overflow gets covered with it and needs to manually remove from time to time but nothing inside the tank.

 

[nivram]

Try a Foxface. I had an issue long time ago added a Foxface as recommended by a friend and out of desperation. Never had another issue inside the tank, the inside the overflow gets covered with it and needs to manually remove from time to time but nothing inside the tank.

+1 on the overflow.

 

[cappymrgn]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I have some work to to but bought rigid airline to scrape and suck what I can out. I will look for a small foxface. If someone sees a little guy somewhere let me know.

 

[cappymrgn]

Is there a specific species I should be looking for? I see there a few different ones. I wish allfish was still around up here...

 

[Gillguy]

Is there a specific species I should be looking for? I see there a few different ones. I wish allfish was still around up here...

From personal experience, the green emeralds are better than the red. Get them, they will eat all of it.

 

[jimbo78]

Only 29 gallons with a sump but doesnt matter in regards to swimming area. I can do manual removal again but I know it will come back. I have a large cleaner shrimp will the crab bother that?

I am just looking for a way to keep it from taking over is all. I have learned to live with a little.

I have dealt with this a few times, emerald crabs (females) seems to be the best as far as a cuc. With a tank that size I would add a couple emeralds and them do it manually (siphon and blade) and then do a 100% water change at the same time. 30g of water at a low is $12. Even if you only have a 5g jug or two, you can get a 5g bucket and lid for $4 at home Depot. Worst case scenario six buckets and lid and water is under $50

 

[foxandhound]

I used to have a heck of a lot of bubble algae but emerald crab took care of everything! Nom Nom Nom
My Foxface didnt touch it. My tang didnt touch it.