Bubble Algae

[powdr_dayz]

What is the causes, and how can I eliminate it? I have tons of the stuff growing everywhere.

Haven't measured anything that stands out as being at an alarming level...

Water Parameters:
PH: 8.3 (night)
Nitrate: Undetectable
Ammonia: undetectable
Phosphate: undetectable
Magnesium: 1450ppm
Calcium: 450ppm
Alk: 6dKh (little low)
Salinity: 1.025

Any input?
Thanks,
pd

 

[mike_cmu04]

Emerald crabs will eat it. Also you should be able to wiggle it off without breaking it

 

[Ben_Im]

Emerald crabs will eat it. Also you should be able to wiggle it off without breaking it

^ What he said.

I wasn't lucky with my emerald crab as he didn't bother eating any of my bubble algae, great overall cleanup invert though. I just carefully wiggled the bubble algae off, and they've been gone since. Careful not to pop them!

 

[allsps40]

I had a problem with it for a while. Every water change I used my hose to break them loose and sucked out as much as I could. I also started running GFO and feed less for a while too. I tried emerald crabs but they didnt touch the stuff and I have seen them eat corals. Sometimes they do eat the bubble algae and sometimes they dont eat coral. I feel its not worth it. I still have some small cluster of the stuff but have gotten it under control and will have it licked soon. Dont pop the bubbles unless you are sucking them out! Popping them releases spores and will cause it to spread.

 

[d3rryc]

Manual removal has always worked best for me, and lowering your nutrient load will slow their spread.

 

[frankpayne32]

If your tank is big enough to accommodate a sailfin tang or foxface I would recommend those great fish. Both are voracious bubble algae eaters IME.

 

[Chris27]

If your tank is big enough to accommodate a sailfin tang or foxface I would recommend those great fish. Both are voracious bubble algae eaters IME.

Tell that to my Sailfin and Foxface - they don't seem to be pulling their weight in that department :rollface:

FWIW, I just pull out the bubbles manually when they get a little bigger...they aren't too hard not to pop.