Help removing bubble algae

[bbhs23]

So I was looking at my tank last night and I found some bubble algae! There are a total of about 8 "bubbles" each being about 2-3mm in size. I have done a lot of reading and it seems like just removing them would be the easiest solution. But I have 2 problems with that... 1) They are on a rock that is about 2" away from the wall, and there is no way that I would be able to remove them without popping them. 2) they are on a rock that is on the bottom of the tank, so to be able to remove the rock to scrape off the bubbles, I would have to remove all of the rocks in the tank.

Other than getting an emerald crab (which I would prefer not to have to do), is there anything else can be done to prevent them from taking over my tank??

 

[patsfan1130]

In my expreriences....no

I prefer to remove the rock, place in a rubbermade container with display water and give it a good scrub. I understand it is sometimes a very arduous task. but it's much better than having a total outbreak down the road in which case you would be removing a lot more than just a couple peices. you certainly could try to carefully pick them off and then wait a while to see if they re appear first.

 

[chimmike]

I had some BA myself. Got 2 emeralds which promptly died ( i think they were longtime residents at the LFS when I bought 'em), but I started using some better water for my top off and changes, and the BA eventually went away. Haven't seen it since.

 

[patsfan1130]

I of course should add that finding the source of the nuisance is key. often times it is due to high PO4/insufficient nutrient exportation.

 

[awholelota]

I tried to scrape them off my rocks, but i ended up just setting some free. the next week there were more so i picked up an emerald crab which did the trick. people say they're hit or miss when it comes to ba, but i guess i got lucky. also he doesn't seem to bother anything else. kinda cool to watch.

 

[Barney_Googles]

Been battling valonia for a year. I remove it when it gets to the point that it is encroaching on my corals.

Emeral crabs do eat it but they can jeopardize your corals as they did mine...Got rid of both emeralds after 2 weeks.

If you see a handful of bubbles, you can rest a sure that there are plenty that you don't see.

Being diligent on water changes (RO/DI), manual removal, and using actinics to gradually increase/decrease the light throughout the day helped me in keeping Valonia under control.