Fish for controlling bubble algae?

[reefsic]

I know Scribbled Rabbits do well in controlling bubble algae, but will Magnificient Foxface Rabbits get it done? If not, any other fishes (other than Scribbled Rabbits) that will?

 

[deaddat]

All rabbits. I just don't want to take the risk because once the bubble algae is gone and they get hungry they will go for coral.

 

[nwinverts]

Fish can be so hit and miss when it comes to controlling problem algae. I had a pretty bad outbreak of bubble algae and found that manual removal worked best because my Tang, Lawnmower blenny, or rabbit wouldn't touch the stuff.

It probably took three months of picking it off with my hand and scraping it off with my siphon hose during water changes to get rid of it, but it can be done.

 

[sabodish]

manual removal is best, but i have seen my foxface eat bubble algae before.

 

[reefsic]

Thanks for the info guys! I have been manually removing them by hand, but can never quite get all of em especially the ones in the back or in deep crevices!

This is what I plan to rely on the potential fish for!

 

[deaddat]

I think I'm going to take the plunge for a one spot tomorrow...really hope I don't end up regretting it.

 

[Comtek]

I just picked up a one spot today and i know this guy eats bubble like crazy
watched him eating it at the store

 

[szymek]

My blonde Naso loves bubble algea. Most of the bubble algae that is within easy reach - Naso eats it.

But recently I flipped some of the rocks and I was amazed how much bubble algae I had on the side of the rocks - I suppose where fish can't reach it and some light gets through. It really blew my mind. I removed it all (well probably not all but as much as I could have). But i've done similar thing in the summer and I was amazed that nearly all came back.

Seems to be loosing battle. So i'll follow this thread hopefully someone will provide some good advice.

 

[Moort82]

Have you tried a mythrax (emerald) crab, they will do the job.

 

[davocean]

My one emerald crab took care of a massive outbreak in my 150g, only problem is he grew so fast that now he knocks stuff over if not glued down really tight.

 

[szymek]

I had enough of bubble algae to feed colony of emerald crabs.

Now that I picked off as much as I could, I think I will look for one this weekend as I'm quite certain it will come back in few months.

 

[el aguila]

Same as everyone else - pick it off and get 3-4 emerald crabs.

 

[deaddat]

Emerald crabs aren't always reef safe...

 

[pinnatus]

I think I'm going to take the plunge for a one spot tomorrow...really hope I don't end up regretting it.

I personally do not like any fish in the rabbitfish family. They are venomous, easily excitable, and the grow large fast. I just finally caught and removed my rabbitfish this weekend after trying to catch him for months. I bought him for byropsis control. It never ate the byropsis in any quantity, and soon became my least favorite fish, and I had to be very careful every time I put my hands in the tank including feeding that I didn't get stung. So I would recommend not getting one unless you really like the fish and have a large tank. Don't get one just for algae removal.

 

[deaddat]

I personally do not like any fish in the rabbitfish family. They are venomous, easily excitable, and the grow large fast. I just finally caught and removed my rabbitfish this weekend after trying to catch him for months. I bought him for byropsis control. It never ate the byropsis in any quantity, and soon became my least favorite fish, and I had to be very careful every time I put my hands in the tank including feeding that I didn't get stung. So I would recommend not getting one unless you really like the fish and have a large tank. Don't get one just for algae removal.

I do like this fish and I do have enough space to house a fish of that size.

 

[Iwishihadgills]

algae scrubber is the "FISH" you need