Bubble Algea Infestation!
- Thread starter KingRicky
- Start date
scubalauren
New member
I had a small amount of Bubble algea at one point and then I added a Foxface to the tank and he ate all of it. I really like him too very curious and eats out of my hand. He's a pig in fact! Named him Foxface 5.
H@rry
In Memoriam
I have tried Emerald crabs several times over the years. About a year ago I put a dozen of them in a tank. I haven't seen one in three months. I'll have to say that as far as I can tell they have not eaten a single bubble. I saw them picking at the rock right by the bubbles but not the bubbles.
I found out that "Emerald Crab" is a generic name for several species of mithrax crabs, some of which have been known to eat bubble algae.
I think the best method of bubble algae eradication is manual! Poke em with tweezers and put out the skin. Do that every week until you don't see any more.
YMMV but I gave up on the crabs.
I found out that "Emerald Crab" is a generic name for several species of mithrax crabs, some of which have been known to eat bubble algae.
I think the best method of bubble algae eradication is manual! Poke em with tweezers and put out the skin. Do that every week until you don't see any more.
YMMV but I gave up on the crabs.
scubalauren
New member
I thought if you poke the bubbles they spread. Maybe I heard incorrectly.
atlantisaquari
New member
yeah the larger mythrax or just about any rabbitfish ( foxface ) should work. just be aware that a foxface can potentially eat certain leathers. i have seen this personally. i think if they have enough veggies they prob leave the leathers alone. also the mythrax ( emerald ) usually starve pretty easy. its prob best to hand the larger ones a little piece of meat once a week or so just to make sure.
scubalauren
New member
lol...yep
I like the idea of adding a Foxface. I am about ready to add another fish but with my tank only being a 55, I don't know how long I would be able to keep him. I think I could get one and when the bubble is gone either trade or sell him. Does anyone know if there are some available locally? I would rather support a LFS if at all possible.
wpecoul
New member
Trying to target a specific algae with a specific fish can be dicey at best. You simply cannot rely upon them to eat what >you< want them to eat. People can get lucky and have a fish eat something, which gives rise to the suggestion that all fish of that species will eat that algae. It isn't necessarily a problem if the tank in question has enough space, alternate food sources, etc. In cases like yours, though, even if the Foxface you get eats the valonia, the fish may already be too large for the tank or may outgrow it in short order. Then you've got a stressed/dead fish, or a venomous fish to try to remove from your tank.
FWIW, I have had a few Foxface and Rabbitfish over the years, and I've never seen one do more than pick at valonia once or twice. I've never seen anyone recommend a fish that will reliably eat the scourge.
FWIW, I have had a few Foxface and Rabbitfish over the years, and I've never seen one do more than pick at valonia once or twice. I've never seen anyone recommend a fish that will reliably eat the scourge.
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scubalauren
New member
That's true! Some fish are picky eaters and they may not eat what you want them to eat. I suppose I was lucky. I've seen smaller one's at Aquarium Imports in Hoover if you decide on getting one. The hose was a great idea too! I never thought about that.
King Ricky, you may have already been there, but Fred and I have visited a store in Hoover a few times called Aquarium Imports. It's a short drive from I-65 on Montgomery Hwy in Hoover Court behind the Regions bank on your right going towards the Galleria. The store is fairly small and cramped, because they sale salt and tropical fish and a lot of equipment, including stands and tanks, but the owner was fairly friendly. Their phone number is 205-979-0840. If you keep going past the Galleria to Pelham on Montgomery Hwy. there is another LFS also on the right, but they didn't have a lot of stuff, but I saw some interesting corals and fish. I think the name was Acquatic Design (maybe?) I have a feeling his stock varies frequently in quantity. I hope this helps!
scubalauren
New member
The name is Aquarium Designs and I would recommend reading the thread in this forum about them. Let us know how the hose works out.
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