Emeralds and Bubble algae

[rdrink25]

I have an outbreak of some algae and it is continuing to grow. I recently added 2 small Emeralds and one HUGE one in a 35g tank. How soon before they start working on the algae? I dont know what else to do as it is starting to spread.

 

[ghbrewer]

Depends on what else they have to feed on, but they will do most of their scavenging at night. Might try cutting your light scheduling back, will help reduce the rate of spread of the algae too. Be sure to stay on top of your water changes. Might cut back on feedings (and/or spot feed)as well, the crabs will go after the easiest meal.

 

[fishlips]

I had two small patches of bh in my 180.Added 2 small emerald crabs.It took about 2 weeks,completely gone.

 

[reefkeeper]

Should be immediately. I added 4 to my frag system and they munched it up like crazy. They've also beefed up since I placed them in the system. I also have a couple in my Display Tank and I see them munching on the rock all the time.

The other alternative is to get a Naso Tang. Either a Blonde or regular Naso will do.

 

[rdrink25]

Naso in a 35g?

 

[reefkeeper]

RDRINK25;937345 wrote: Naso in a 35g?

Sure, get a small one. LFS's have them in stock all the time. You can always trade/sell the Naso after it's clean the Bubble Algae up in your system.

 

[jdavid]

Don't tangs get stessed out easily? Would it be a good idea to buy one with the intention of passing it on to someone else after it fixes your problem? for something that's easy to physically remove and eradicate by bringing down phosphates and nitrates?

 

[stacy22]

Reefkeeper;937346 wrote: Sure, get a small one. LFS's have them in stock all the time. You can always trade/sell the Naso after it's clean the Bubble Algae up in your system.

Some Nasos</em> will eat Valonia</em>. I would not expect, however, a tang placed into a 35g tank to display typical behavior.

There are much easier and more humane ways of getting rid of this algae.

 

[reefkeeper]

stacy22;937373 wrote: Some Nasos</em> will eat Valonia</em>. I would not expect, however, a tang placed into a 35g tank to display typical behavior.

There are much easier and more humane ways of getting rid of this algae.

Sorry but I disagree. Putting a Naso in tank for the sole purpose of consuming bubble algae is no different that folks putting a sea hair temporally in there system for consuming hair algae. Or even a file fish for aphasia for that matter.

 

[fishlips]

In a 35 gal,the BH can get out of control fast.Why you are waiting for the crabs to start eating.Try to see why you have it,so you can slow it down.If you have small fish,I would watch the big crab.

 

[donniea1800]

I had a very bad outbreak of bubble algae in my 50 gallon. I put in 2 small emeralds and it was mostly gone in about 2 to 3 weeks. The trick is finding emeralds that will actually eat it. I tried several before i found the ones that did the job. The trick is to get the smallest ones you can find. I have found the bigger ones won't touch it. If you have alot you have to help them out with manual removal as well. Just keep after it and you will win.